Pune (Maharashtra) [India]: A suspected case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has resulted in the death of an individual in Maharashtra’s Solapur district, according to the state’s Health Department. The deceased, a resident of Solapur working in Pune, was among the rising number of GBS cases reported in the Pune district.
As of January 26, Maharashtra’s Public Health Department has recorded 101 cases of GBS in Pune district. These include:
- 81 cases from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)
- 14 cases from Pimpri-Chinchwad
- 6 cases from other parts of the district
The affected group comprises 68 males and 33 females, with 16 patients currently on ventilators, as per health officials.
Preventive Measures and Guidelines
The Maharashtra Health Department has issued guidelines to help prevent further cases. The advisory emphasizes:
- Ensuring good water quality, including drinking boiled water
- Using fresh and clean food
- Avoiding storage of cooked and uncooked food together
Residents have been urged not to panic and to seek medical attention at government hospitals if symptoms are observed.
Symptoms of GBS
Officials highlighted common symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which include:
- Sudden weakness or paralysis in hands or legs
- Difficulty walking or sudden onset weakness
- Persistent diarrhoea
Response and Surveillance
The state government has ramped up efforts to contain the situation:
- A state-level rapid response team has visited the affected areas.
- Surveillance activities by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and rural district authorities have been intensified.
- Water samples from different city areas have been sent to the Public Health Laboratory for chemical and biological analysis.
In addition, 25,578 households have been surveyed in Pune district as part of house-to-house surveillance.
About Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its nerves. Initial symptoms include weakness, tingling in the hands and feet, or paralysis, which may spread rapidly. While the exact cause is unknown, GBS often requires hospitalization for treatment.