Pune: 73 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome reported in a week, 14 on ventilator
Pune is currently experiencing a significant outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with 73 confirmed cases reported as of January 25, 2025. This marks a dramatic increase from just 26 cases identified earlier in the week, highlighting a concerning trend in the region’s health landscape.
Current Situation
Total Cases: 73 confirmed GBS cases, with 14 patients on ventilator support and additional individuals requiring oxygen assistance.
Demographics: Among the affected, there are 47 males and 26 females, including 13 children aged 0-9 and 12 aged 10-19. The age distribution indicates that the syndrome affects a wide range of age groups, with some patients being as young as three years old and others over 60.
Health Response
The Pune health department has activated a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to investigate the outbreak. They are conducting extensive surveys, having already assessed over 7,200 homes in affected areas such as Sinhgad Road, Dhayari, and Kirkatwadi. The team is particularly focused on identifying potential sources of contamination linked to food and water.
Investigations and Findings
Initial investigations suggest that the outbreak may be associated with contaminated water and food sources. Notably, samples have revealed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium commonly linked to gastrointestinal infections that can precede GBS. Health officials are also testing for Norovirus, which has been implicated in similar outbreaks elsewhere.
Symptoms and Treatment
GBS is characterized by the immune system attacking peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis. While there is no cure for GBS, treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and supporting recovery. The rapid rise in cases has prompted local hospitals to prepare for an influx of patients needing intensive care.
The situation remains fluid as health authorities continue their investigations into the cause of this outbreak. Public health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant for symptoms associated with GBS and to report any unusual health issues promptly.
