Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases Rise to 110 in Pune

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Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

GBS is a rare neurological disorder when the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.
This can cause muscle weakness, tingling and sometimes paralysis.
Cause: The exact cause of GBS is unknown but an infection often precedes it. This could be a bacterial or viral infection. This leads the immune system to attack the body itself.
- In rare cases, it can be caused by a
Treatment: GBS treatment involves procedures like plasmapheresis, which removes plasma and replaces it with other fluids.

Outbreak in Pune: Key Statistics

According to Maharashtra’s health officials, the distribution of cases is as follows:

20 cases from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits
66 cases from newly added villages in PMC
12 cases from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)
5 cases from Pune rural
8 cases from other districts

Among the 110 suspected cases, 31 have been confirmed as GBS. So far, 13 patients are on ventilator support, and one death has been reported. Most affected individuals are men, with 77 male and 34 female cases.

Possible Causes of the Outbreak

Investigations into the outbreak have revealed possible links to contaminated water. Tests conducted on stool samples from affected individuals identified Norovirus and Campylobacter bacteria, both known to trigger GBS.

57 stool samples were tested at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, revealing 17 Norovirus and 5 Campylobacter cases.
110 water samples from across the city were examined, and eight sources were found contaminated.

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Early detection of GBS is critical. Symptoms include:

Weakness or tingling in the legs and arms
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Muscle pain and cramps
Facial weakness or difficulty swallowing
Severe cases may lead to paralysis or respiratory failure

Preventive Measures for Residents

Authorities have issued several health advisories to curb the spread of GBS:

Consume Only Boiled Water: Residents in affected areas must boil water before drinking or using it for cooking.
Maintain Food Hygiene: Eat freshly cooked food and avoid stale or contaminated items.
Avoid Undercooked Meat: Properly cook poultry, meat, and dairy products to eliminate potential bacteria.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Individuals experiencing any GBS symptoms should visit a government hospital for early diagnosis and treatment.

Government Response and Control Measures

A state-level Rapid Response Team has been deployed to the affected areas. Surveillance efforts have also been intensified:

45,052 households have been screened, including 23,035 in Pune MC, 5,896 in PCMC, and 9,121 in Pune rural areas.
Private medical practitioners have been instructed to report any suspected GBS cases immediately.
The Public Health Laboratory is continuously monitoring water quality across Pune.