New Delhi: The Union health ministry has sent a multidisciplinary national outbreak response team to Gujarat and Rajasthan to assist state authorities in dealing with the Chandipura virus outbreak, as public health agencies step up surveillance, laboratory testing and vector-control measures in the two states. The deployment comes amid fresh concern over viral encephalitis cases reported during the monsoon season. ADVERTISEMENTRising Toll In Two StatesIn Gujarat, health officials have reported 35 confirmed positive cases among 184 suspected patients tested, along with 22 deaths of children under 15 during the current season. Rajasthan has also reported three positive Chandipura virus cases from the border districts of Dungarpur and Sirohi, with all three infected children referred to Gujarat for emergency treatment; two later died there, according to reports. Genome Probe UnderwayThe ministry has said it is premature to pin down the vector behind the current outbreak until scientific investigations are complete.