New Delhi: The number of suspected deaths due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare nerve disorder, in Maharashtra rose to five on Saturday, news agency PTI reported, quoting health officials. A total of 149 suspected cases of GBS, with 124 of them confirmed have been reported in the state.
A 60-year-old man from Pune’s Warje area passed away due to respiratory failure, making him the fifth casualty linked to GBS. Four suspected GBS deaths had been reported earlier. Most of the confirmed cases are concentrated in Pune and its surrounding areas.
Spread of cases in Pune and nearby regions
Of the 149 suspected cases, 29 are from Pune city, 82 from newly added villages to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) area, 17 from Pimpri Chinchwad, 13 from Pune Rural, and eight from other districts.
Health authorities have sent 160 water samples from various parts of Pune for chemical and biological testing. Eight of these samples have been found to be contaminated, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria detected in one sample collected from a private borewell in the Sinhgad Road area. E.coli in water is a sign of faecal or animal waste contamination and the prevalence of bacteria can lead to GBS infection, according to health officials.
What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?
GBS is a rare condition that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness, with symptoms such as severe limb weakness and sometimes diarrhoea. It is often triggered by bacterial or viral infections that compromise the immune system, particularly infections like Campylobacter jejuni, which is commonly found in contaminated food and water. Though GBS can affect both children and young adults, most patients recover fully with appropriate treatment.
Preventive measures and public advisory
To curb the spread of GBS, the Maharashtra government has issued several advisories for the public. Citizens are advised to drink boiled water, consume only fresh and clean food, and avoid cross-contaminating cooked and uncooked food. The state has also urged the public to remain calm and seek treatment at government hospitals if they experience any symptoms of GBS.
In addition to maintaining personal hygiene, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, especially regarding the quality of drinking water, as contamination is a key factor in the outbreak.
