Pune Reports 5 More Guillain-Barre Syndrome Cases, Maharashtra's Tally Rises To 163

Five persons have died so far from Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Maharashtra.

GBS is a rare condition in which a person's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.

Source : PTI

Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Five more cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome were detected in Pune on Monday, taking the tally of suspected rare nerve disorder to 163 in Maharashtra.

Five persons have died so far from the ailment in the state, an official said on Monday.

"Five cases were detected, though no death was reported on Monday. The number of confirmed GBS cases stands at 127. The 163 suspected cases comprise 32 from Pune city, 86 from newly added villages in Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 18 from Pimpri Chinchwad, 19 from Pune rural and eight from other districts," he said.

Of the 163 patients, 47 have been discharged till now, 47 were in ICU and 21 on ventilator support, the official said.

A total of 168 water samples from different parts of Pune city were sent for chemical and biological analysis to the Public Health Laboratory, he said, adding that samples from eight water sources were found to be contaminated.

What Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

GBS is a rare condition in which a person's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, resulting in muscle weakness, and loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms. GBS is more common in adults and males, though people of all ages can be affected.

Director of Medical Education (DME) D.S.V.L. Narasimham assured the people there is no cause for panic. He emphasised that the state has all necessary measures in place to manage the situation effectively. Dr Narasimham explained that GBS is not a contagious disease but a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets the peripheral nerves. 

The condition typically begins with tingling and weakness in the limbs, which can escalate to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis, he explained. Hospitals across the State have been directed to implement treatment protocols and ensure optimal patient care, Dr Narasimham said. 

While there is no direct way to prevent GBS, maintaining good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of infections that may trigger the syndrome. This includes washing hands before meals, after visiting public places, and avoiding close contact with unwell individuals.