Medical Department on Alert for Chandipura Virus Prevention

Udaipur – The medical department is on high alert to prevent and safeguard against the Chandipura virus. Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Shankar H. Bamnia toured the high alert areas near the Gujarat border, specifically Kherwara and Nayagaon, inspecting medical institutions and issuing necessary directives.

Following reports of child deaths due to the Chandipura virus in Gujarat, the bordering areas of Kherwara and Nayagaon in Udaipur have been declared high alert zones. Although the virus was not detected in the blood tests of the suspected child in Rajasthan, precautionary measures are being taken. Dr. Bamnia, accompanied by BCMO Dr. Arun Meena of Kherwara, BCMO Dr. Nikunj Kalasua of Nayagaon, and other sector in-charges and staff, monitored anti-adult, anti-larval, and source reduction activities such as the application of temephos and MLO activities.

**House-to-House Feedback Collection**

Dr. Bamnia visited Retda village in the Patia sector of Nayagaon, conducting house-to-house meetings to assess the activities conducted by the medical department. He gathered information on anti-larva measures and source reduction from ANMs and ASHA workers, inspected areas where MLO and temephos were sprayed, and issued strict instructions that no health worker should be given leave and all must remain at their headquarters. Blood slides of all patients should be prepared, and any symptoms of the virus should be immediately reported to higher authorities.

**Reassignment of Lab Technician**

During an inspection of CHC Rishabhdev, Dr. Bamnia reviewed the postnatal ward and ensured that food was provided under the Kalewa scheme and that newborns received their birth dose vaccinations on time. Upon learning that the absence of a permanent lab technician was affecting work, he reinstated the previously assigned lab technician. He also instructed that an RMRS meeting be conducted soon. During the inspection of CHC Kherwara, directives were given to increase institutional deliveries, carry out NCD work, and create Ayushman Chiranjivi cards under EKYC.