Unidentified fever outbreak in Gujarat results in 15 deaths, tests ongoing in Pune’s virology institute
Unidentified fever outbreak in Gujarat results in 15 deaths, tests ongoing in Pune's virology institute
September 11, 2024
The number of fatalities due to an unidentified fever in Lakhpat, located in Gujarat’s Kutch district, has increased to 15 in the past week, with authorities still uncertain about its origins. Initially suspected to be pneumonitis, this fever has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including children, between September 3 and September 7. Furthermore, there have been five additional deaths reported since then. District collector Amit Arora mentioned that they have forwarded 11 samples from the deceased individuals to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for investigation into the cause of these deaths. Arora stated, “We are anticipating the results within a day or two. Until then, we must await the findings to determine if this is a known virus or a new pathogen.”
The tests conducted so far have excluded the possibilities of diseases like H1N1, swine flu, Crimean-Congo fever, malaria, and dengue as causes of the deaths. Additionally, Arora mentioned that the fatalities did not seem to be linked to contamination or any communicable diseases.
To address the situation, authorities have dispatched 22 surveillance teams and additional medical personnel to Lakhpat, which shares a border with Pakistan.
This outbreak coincided with heavy rainfall and flooding in the area. The Kutch district experienced the highest rainfall in Gujarat this season, with approximately 890mm of rain, equivalent to 184% of the average, as of September 10.
