National Response Team Deployed to Combat Chandi Pura Virus Outbreak in Gujarat and Rajasthan

In response to the Chandi Pura virus outbreak in Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Ministry of Health has deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT). This initiative aims to enhance understanding of the virus, its transmission, and treatment options while implementing effective public health measures. The NJORT, comprising experts from various health organizations, will assist state governments in investigating the outbreak and coordinating responses. This deployment marks one of the most extensive scientific investigations into the virus in recent years, with collaboration from multiple research institutions. Read on to learn more about the efforts being made to combat this health crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 16:38 IST

Strengthening Response to Chandi Pura Virus

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has established a 'National Joint Outbreak Response Team' (NJORT) to enhance preparedness against the Chandi Pura virus disease (CHPV) outbreak in Gujarat and Rajasthan. According to the ministry, this deployment is based on ongoing and thorough scientific investigations conducted by a nationwide network of leading research institutions, alongside continuous disease monitoring under the 'Integrated Disease Surveillance Program' (IDSP). The coordination of this surveillance initiative is managed by the 'National Center for Disease Control' (NCDC) in collaboration with state surveillance units.

Objectives of the NJORT

The coordinated efforts aim to deepen understanding of the virus, including its transmission methods, symptoms, epidemiology, and potential treatment options, while also providing guidance for evidence-based public health measures. To support the NJORT, the NCDC's 'Public Health Emergency Operations Center' (PHEOC) has also been activated.

Expert Team Collaboration

The NJORT comprises experts from various fields, including the NCDC, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy (DAHD), who will assist the two state governments in their efforts. This team will help investigate the spread of the disease, assess epidemiological data, treat patients, coordinate laboratory efforts, monitor disease vectors, and implement public health measures. They will work closely with state health departments to review actions taken on the ground and provide recommendations to the ministry after completing their field assessments.

Comprehensive Investigations Underway

This deployment comes during one of the most extensive scientific investigations into the Chandi Pura virus in recent years. Experts from ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) in Chennai, National Institute of Vector Control Research (ICMR-NIVCR) in Puducherry, National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) in Pune, National Institute for Pre-Clinical Research (ICMR-NIPCR) in Hyderabad, and the ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI) in Bengaluru are collaborating with the Gujarat state health department to investigate the outbreak.