2-Year-Old Girl's Death in Rajasthan

Jaipur, Rajasthan – The Chandipura virus has claimed another life in Rajasthan, with a two-year-old girl, Ishika, succumbing to the illness on Thursday night while receiving treatment at a hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Ishika, the daughter of Hemraj Keer from Itadiya village in Shahpura district, had been admitted to the private facility since August 5 after exhibiting symptoms of fever. Her last rites were conducted under Covid-19 protocols on Friday, attended by local administration and medical personnel. This incident marks the second reported death from the Chandipura virus in the state, following the earlier case of a three-year-old boy named Himanshu, who died on June 27 in Himmatnagar, Gujarat. Ishika's uncle, Ramlal, recounted that she developed a fever on August 4 and was referred to the hospital the following day, where she was tested for the virus. Tragically, she passed away just days later. In response to Ishika's death, health officials have initiated a door-to-door survey in Itadiya village, particularly as her two older brothers, aged 14 and 5, are currently experiencing mild fever symptoms. Medical teams have collected samples from the siblings for further testing in Udaipur. Chief Medical and Health Officer CP Goswami confirmed the ongoing outbreak of the Chandipura virus and emphasized that all necessary precautions are being implemented. The Health Department has instructed field officers to remain vigilant, especially in border districts adjacent to Gujarat, as they await results from 118 pending samples at NIV Pune.