The alarming rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Maharashtra and West Bengal has raised serious concerns among health officials. As of January 29, Maharashtra’s Public Health Department has recorded over 120 cases of this rare neurological disorder, with 20 patients currently on ventilator support. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, three people, including a child, have lost their lives in the past four days.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is facing a significant outbreak of GBS, with 127 reported cases and two confirmed deaths.
- A 40-year-old man from Solapur, who had recently traveled to Pune, succumbed to the disease earlier this week.
- A 56-year-old woman undergoing treatment at Pune’s Sassoon General Hospital also lost her life on Tuesday.
- An additional 16 cases have been recorded as of January 30, pushing the total count to 127.
According to data from the Maharashtra Health Department:
- 23 cases have been reported from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) areas.
- 73 cases emerged from newly integrated villages under PMC limits.
- 13 patients belong to Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
- Nine cases each have been reported from Pune’s rural areas and other districts.
Possible Contamination Link in Pune
State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has pointed to contaminated water sources in Pune as a possible factor behind the outbreak. Of the 144 water samples sent for testing, eight were found to be contaminated.
“The rise in GBS cases is concerning. We will seek expert medical opinions while ensuring the Pune Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra Health Department take necessary actions,” Abitkar said.
Authorities have already initiated measures, including:
- Repairing 12 water leaks.
- Replacing a faulty drainage line.
- Ensuring ventilator support and adequate medical supplies for affected patients.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome in West Bengal
Following Maharashtra, West Bengal has also reported a surge in GBS cases, with children among the victims.
- A 10-year-old child from Jagatdal in North 24 Parganas, who had been undergoing treatment for a week, passed away at BC Roy Hospital in Kolkata on Sunday.
- A 17-year-old from the same district, suspected to have GBS, succumbed to septic shock and myocarditis at NRS Medical College and Hospital on Monday.
- On Wednesday, a 48-year-old man from Hooghly also died of a suspected GBS infection, though the state health department has yet to confirm the exact cause.
- Four more children showing GBS symptoms are currently being treated at BC Roy Hospital and the Institute of Child Health.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. It was first identified in 1916 by French neurologists Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barré.
Most individuals diagnosed with GBS have experienced an infection within six weeks before symptoms appear. Common symptoms include:
- Fever, cough, and runny nose.
- Muscle weakness and numbness.
- Gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain and diarrhea.
What’s Causing the Rapid Spread of GBS?
While the exact cause of GBS remains unclear, it is often linked to:
- Major surgeries and vaccinations.
- Bacterial or viral infections, particularly Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium commonly found in poultry intestines.
According to The Economic Times, Campylobacter jejuni can spread through:
- Contaminated or undercooked meat.
- Unpasteurized dairy products.
- Untreated water sources.
Symptoms of C. jejuni infection include abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea, which usually appear within two to five days of exposure.
How is GBS Treated?
While there is no specific cure for GBS, treatments can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.
Dr. Bhushan Joshi, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Pune, told The Hindustan Times:
“Immediate intervention is crucial for recovery. Treatments like Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) are commonly used to manage symptoms.”
Preventive measures include:
- Properly cooking meat to kill harmful bacteria.
- Avoiding cross-contamination in kitchens.
- Washing hands frequently.
- Drinking only clean, safe water.
As health officials continue monitoring the outbreak, ensuring proper sanitation and public awareness remains key to controlling the spread of this life-threatening disorder.
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