Mumbai on alert following Chandipura virus outbreak in Gujarat

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to Gujarat and Rajasthan following a deadly Chandipura virus outbreak.

The virus, spread by phlebotomine sandfly bites, has killed nearly 30 people and primarily targets children aged nine months to 15 years.

While no cases have been reported in Maharashtra, Mumbai health authorities are on alert, noting that the virus can lead to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome within 24 to 48 hours.