HQ Team
January 26, 2025: Over 73 people are down with Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare nerve disorder, in Pune city in Maharashtra state of India. “The total number of GBS cases increased to 73, comprising 47 men and 26 women. Of these, 14 are on ventilator support,” a state health department official revealed to the media. One patient has succumbed to the disease, according to the latest reports.
Pune hospitals reported a higher than usual occurrence of the disease a week ago, with over 25 people admitted for the disease. The number has gone up to 73 within a few days.
Guillian barre is a rare treatable autoimmune disease, with one or two cases reported a month generally. The high number of cases has set off alarm bells, with the government taking steps to find the cause.
The government has set up medical teams and is carrying out house-to-house surveys to find out the cause and to raise awareness about GBS. The pathogenic bacteria Campylobacter jejuni triggers the GBS, which compromises the immune system and attacks the nerves. The pathogen has been found in many samples collected from various hospitals. Tests by private labs and the National Institute of Virology have found the presence of the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and norovirus in patient samples. Norovirus rarely causes GBS; it is C.jejuni that is raising concern as it is very virulent and can cause severe infection.
Experts suspect contaminated water may have triggered the infections. Several patient families have also pointed to water contamination as a likely cause. GBS symptoms include diarrhoea, limb weakness, and paralysis
The city administration is stocking up on medicines to treat the disease, with hospitals earmarked for handling the increasing number of cases. A team of medical experts has been formed to handle the situation.
GBS Disease Symptoms
GBS is a rare disorder where the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, causing weakness, numbness, and sometimes paralysis. It is not contagious but can be life-threatening if it affects the muscles responsible for breathing. While the exact cause is unknown, it often follows bacterial or viral infections like Campylobacter jejuni or Epstein-Barr virus.
Most people with GBS require hospitalization. Treatments such as immunotherapy (immunoglobulin or plasma exchange) can help manage the condition, and mechanical ventilation may be necessary in severe cases. Recovery may take several weeks.
