Guillain-Barré Syndrome In Pune: State On High Alert As GBS Cases Reach 127, 20 On Ventilators, 2 Dead

A day after crossing the 100-mark, the GBS cases in Pune district have now risen to 127, with two reported fatalities due to the immunological nerve disorder.

Of the total cases, 23 patients are from Pune Municipal Corporation areas, 73 are from the newly merged villages under PMC, 13 are from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, 9 are from Pune Rural, and 9 are from other districts.

Out of these, 20 people are on ventilator and two deaths have been reported.

The surge in cases has raised concerns among residents and health officials, prompting urgent measures, including the reservation of hospital beds and increased public awareness on preventive steps.

Tingling, weakness of hand-grip or foot drop could signal Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), said health experts on Monday, even as the reported cases spike to over a hundred in Pune, Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, the Centre has deployed a seven-member team of experts in Maharashtra to assist the state in monitoring and managing the increasing cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), an official source said on Monday.

All you should know about GBS

Common symptoms of GBS include sudden weakness or paralysis in the hands or legs, trouble walking, and prolonged diarrhea. Authorities have increased surveillance in affected areas.

To prevent further infections, citizens are advised to ensure good water quality by drinking boiled water, eating fresh and clean food, and avoiding the mixing of cooked and uncooked items.

GBS is a rare condition that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness, often triggered by bacterial or viral infections that weaken the immune system. While it is prevalent in both pediatric and young age groups, doctors assure that GBS will not lead to an epidemic or pandemic, and most patients will recover fully with treatment.

GBS symptoms according to WHO:

- Weakness or tingling sensations. They usually start in the legs and can spread to the arms and face.

- For some, these symptoms can lead to paralysis of the legs, arms or muscles in the face. In approximately one-third of people, the chest muscles are affected, making it hard to breathe.

- The ability to speak and swallow may become affected in severe cases considered life-threatening, and affected individuals should be treated in intensive care units.