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Centre expands team to manage (GBS) Guillain Barre Syndrome cases in Pune, Maharashtra

Centre expands team to manage (GBS) Guillain Barre Syndrome cases in Pune, Maharashtra

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has expanded a multi-disciplinary team to manage the rising cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune, Maharashtra. This decision comes in response to a significant increase in both suspected and confirmed cases of GBS, which has now reached a total of 111 within a span of less than three weeks. The outbreak began on January 9, 2025, and has resulted in at least one confirmed fatality—a 41-year-old chartered accountant.

Composition: The expanded team now consists of seven experts from various prestigious institutions, including:

National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi

National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru

Regional Office of Health & Family Welfare

National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.

Previous Support: Prior to this expansion, three experts from NIV were already assisting local health authorities. The central team is tasked with working closely with state health departments to assess the situation on the ground and recommend necessary public health interventions.

Patient Statistics: Out of the 111 reported cases, 56 patients are currently in general wards, while 41 are in intensive care units (ICUs). Among those in ICUs, 25 require oxygen support and 16 are on ventilators. So far, four patients have been discharged.

Symptoms and Investigation: Symptoms associated with GBS include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Investigations are underway to identify potential triggers for the outbreak; bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni and norovirus have been detected in some samples from patients.

The Union Health Ministry is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts with state authorities to ensure effective management of the outbreak. Officials emphasize the importance of timely public health interventions to mitigate further impacts on the community.