The Union Health Ministry has deployed a national team to Gujarat and Rajasthan to strengthen the response to the ongoing Chandipura virus outbreak, which has resulted in at least 22 child deaths this monsoon season. The multidisciplinary national joint response team comprises experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The team will work closely with State health departments to review the on-ground response and submit recommendations to the Ministry after completing its field assessment. While sandflies are the established vectors of the Chandipura virus, scientists are also examining whether other arthropods — including mosquitoes, ticks, and mites — may have a role in transmission as well. Around 70 animal blood samples have been collected so far and are being analysed for the Chandipura virus and other relevant pathogens.