The Maharashtra Health Department reported on Monday that a total of 192 suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) have been detected in the state, out of which 167 cases have been confirmed.
Key Details of the Outbreak
- Deaths Reported: 7 (1 confirmed due to GBS, 6 suspected)
- Geographical Spread:
- Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC): 39 cases
- Newly added villages in PMC area: 91 cases
- Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC): 29 cases
- Pune Rural: 25 cases
- Other districts: 8 cases
- Current Patient Status:
- ICU Patients: 48
- On Ventilator Support: 21
- Recovered and Discharged: 91
Authorities Intensify Surveillance and Water Quality Checks
State health authorities have increased surveillance efforts in affected regions. Earlier, on February 6, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) sealed 30 private water supply plants in Nanded village, Dhayari, and adjoining areas on Sinhgad Road, which were identified as the epicenter of the outbreak.
PMC officials revealed that:
- Water samples from some plants were contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.
- Several plants lacked proper operational permissions.
- Some plants failed to use disinfectants and chlorine to prevent contamination.
Government Response
On February 3, the Union Health Minister held a high-level meeting with Maharashtra’s health officials to review public health measures, including testing and treatment protocols for GBS patients.
Understanding Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
GBS is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to:
- Muscle weakness
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis in severe cases
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and implement preventive measures to curb the spread.