First Death Recorded from Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Maharashtra: 73 Affected in Pune
Mumbai: Maharashtra has reported its first fatality from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after a Pune-based Chartered Accountant succumbed to the illness.
The man, residing in the DSK Vishwa area of Pune, had been experiencing diarrhoea before his condition worsened. He had travelled to his native village in Solapur district when he began feeling weak.
Relatives shared, “He was admitted to a private hospital in Solapur, where doctors diagnosed him with GBS. He was moved to the ICU for further treatment and was unable to move his hands and legs. His condition stabilized, and he was moved out of the ICU on Saturday. However, he developed breathing issues and passed away the same day.”
GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder that leads to sudden numbness and muscle weakness as the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves.
Pune has seen a rise in GBS cases, with 73 reported infections, including 14 patients on ventilators. The Pune Municipal Corporation is on high alert and has implemented measures to manage the outbreak.
“GBS can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to GBS within 1 to 3 weeks,” said sources from the civic body.
The state health department has advised the public to drink boiled water and avoid consuming food from open or unsanitary sources. They also urged individuals to seek medical attention if they experience sudden muscle weakness.
A senior medical officer explained, “Although the exact cause of GBS is unknown, it often follows a respiratory or digestive tract infection. Viral or bacterial infections, vaccinations, surgery, and neuropathy can trigger it. GBS is rare but treatable, so there’s no need to panic.”
In response to the outbreak, the Union Health Ministry has sent a team to Pune. State Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar addressed the rising number of cases, linking the infection to contaminated water sources. He also announced that GBS treatment is now covered under the Mahatma Phule Jan Aarogya Yojana, with private hospital coverage increased to Rs 1.60 lakh, double the previous amount.
Abitkar further confirmed that patients will not face additional charges for GBS treatment, and hospitals will be penalized for any unjustified billing. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured that GBS patients would receive free treatment at Pune’s Kamala Nehru hospital.
(with inputs from IANS)
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.