At least 24 personnel preparing for the upcoming National Unity Day celebrations have tested positive for dengue in Gujarat, with several others under observation after developing symptoms including fever, joint pain and muscle aches. The affected personnel are part of security and cultural contingents that have arrived in the state for rehearsals ahead of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar. Senior medical officials said those currently hospitalised are stable, with no critical complications reported so far.
The health concern emerged on Thursday when 34 personnel were brought to Gandhinagar Civil Hospital for medical evaluation. Of these, 23 were confirmed to have dengue. Five additional personnel were admitted by Friday afternoon, with one more confirmed case and four suspected infections reported among them. Around 10 patients have since recovered and been discharged, while medical teams continue to monitor those undergoing treatment and testing.
Most of the affected personnel are young adults between 25 and 30 years old and have travelled to Gujarat from states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. They are among thousands of personnel gathered for preparations for the October 31 parade at Ekta Nagar. Several members of the contingents have been staying in a large hostel complex in Gandhinagar, although health authorities have not yet established the accommodation as the source of the infections.
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Following the detection of multiple cases within the same group, hospital authorities alerted district and state health departments. Epidemiological teams have been deployed to survey accommodation facilities, conduct mosquito-control measures and carry out additional diagnostic tests. Officials said emergency departments in Gandhinagar have not recorded a broader rise in dengue-related admissions outside the visiting contingents. A recent statewide assessment found that more than 135,000 samples had been tested for vector-borne diseases, with nearly 2,100 dengue cases recorded across Gujarat this season.
The annual Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations are scheduled for October 30 and 31, with the main parade planned at Ekta Nagar on October 31. Around 10,000 personnel from police and paramilitary forces are expected to participate, alongside an Air Force flypast, cultural performances and an address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Health authorities are continuing surveillance and preventive measures as preparations for the event proceed.
The Aam Aadmi Party has criticised the Gujarat administration over the dengue cases, alleging inadequate sanitation and administrative lapses. AAP leader Gauri Desai said the affected personnel had travelled from different states to participate in the national Ekta Parade and accused the state government of failing to adequately address health concerns. The party also raised complaints about conditions at the civil hospital, alleging that some admitted personnel were provided only biscuit packets for breakfast instead of proper meals.
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