Maharashtra reports first death due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome amid rising cases in Pune

Mangalore Today News Network

Maharashtra, January 27, 2025: The first death due to the Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) virus was reported in Solapur, Maharashtra amid the outbreak on Monday.

A 40-year-old man from Dhayari, Pune, succumbed to the syndrome while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Solapur. The deceased was initially diagnosed in Pune but was shifted for specialised care.

Till now, 101 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) have been reported out of which 81 patients are from Pune MC, 14 from Pimpri Chinchwad MC and 6 are from other districts. Pune has been the centre of the outbreak.

Every day, 28 new cases of GBS are recorded. Among the affected, 16 patients are critically ill and require ventilator support.

In the wake of the outbreak, a rapid response team was formed by the Maharashtra government. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare auto-immune disorder which leaves patients in a paralysis-type situation.

The public health department of the state, in a communication, said that a state-level rapid response team had visited the affected area. Authorities have informed the public that Guillain-Barré Syndrome is alarming, but it cannot lead to an epidemic or a pandemic.

The state department said that the rural district authorities and Pune Municipal Corporation have been given instructions to increase surveillance activities.

A team has also been sent by the Union Health Ministry to Pune to assess the situation after the GBS outbreak.

The officials have collected water samples from various parts of Pune and sent them to the public health laboratory for biological and chemical analysis as a precautionary measure.

The state government have asked private medical practitioners to notify authorities about every GBS patient they treat. They are also thinking of increasing health promotion activities.

Health officials have so far surveyed over 25,578 houses in the affected areas. The surveys are being carried out by the Maharashtra State Health Department’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation and local health authorities.

Speaking to News18.com, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakashrao Abitkar said that he is on his way to Pune and that there is no need to panic about GBS. He said that GBS is an existing disease and is not communicable. He added that all measures are being taken to contain the surge.

To address the growing concern, the government has revised treatment costs under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY). Previously, private hospitals under the scheme were allocated Rs80,000 per patient.

This amount has now been doubled to Rs1.6 lakh, ensuring better access to advanced treatment for affected patients.

Announcing the decision, MPJAY CEO Annasaheb Chavan emphasised the importance of providing relief to families struggling with the disease. Health Minister Abitkar reiterated the government’s commitment to managing the crisis effectively.

What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the peripheral nervous system is attacked by the immune system of the body, as per the World Health Organisation. The syndrome is seen in people who get infected with bacteria or viruses.

The syndrome affects the nerves which control muscle movement and those that have touch, temperature and pain sensations which leads to loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms, muscle weakness and difficulties in breathing or swallowing.

French neurologists Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barre first discovered this syndrome in 1916.

The exact cause behind the disease is not clear, however, it often occurs after a viral or bacterial infection, vaccination, or major surgery. The immune system becomes hyperactive during such periods which leads to this rare condition.

GBS has often been linked to bacterial infections caused by consuming contaminated water or food. Symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and sudden weakness in the limbs are key indicators of the syndrome.

Experts warn that infections like Campylobacter, dengue, or chikungunya can trigger an immune response that attacks the nerves, leading to GBS. Diagnosis typically occurs within one to three weeks of the onset of symptoms.

Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions, such as boiling and filtering drinking water, avoiding stale or exposed food, and consulting a doctor immediately if symptoms like muscle weakness or numbness occur. Public awareness campaigns and targeted measures in affected areas are being undertaken to prevent further spread.