Mumbai: Maharashtra reported its first suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) death amid an outbreak with 101 cases in Pune till Monday. Authorities have tested the local water in the affected zone and the result revealed E. coli contamination in a well near Pune’s Khadakwasla Dam. The residents have been advised to boil water and cook food thoroughly.
As per the World Health Organisation, GBS is a rare condition where the immune system attacks the body’s nerves, often following a viral or bacterial infection. Common triggers include Campylobacter jejuni bacteria (which causes stomach illnesses), flu, and viruses like cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, and Zika. While rare, vaccines can slightly increase the risk of GBS, but the condition is much more likely to develop from infections such as the flu than from the flu vaccine itself. Surgery can also occasionally trigger GBS.
People of all ages can be affected but is more common in adults, especially men. Most individuals fully recover, even from severe cases, though some may experience lingering weakness. Severe cases are rare but can lead to almost complete paralysis and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms:
• GBS symptoms typically last a few weeks, starting with weakness or tingling in the legs, which may spread to the arms and face, and sometimes progress to paralysis.
• About one-third of people with GBS experience difficulty breathing due to chest muscle weakness; severe cases can affect speaking or swallowing, requiring intensive care.
• GBS can lead to death due to complications like breathing problems, infections, lung clots, or heart failure.
To reduce the risk of GBS:
• The vaccine should be updated especially the flu shot.
• Maintain good hygiene and ensure safe food and water.
• Get medical help quickly for unexplained weakness or tingling.
As per the updates of WHO and Medical Official, there is no cure for GBS but doctors can start treatments focused on managing symptoms. Patients will need a course of 13 injections of Immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections, to provide healthy antibodies to reduce immune damage, with each shot costing Rs 20,000 which is very expensive.
On the 76th Republic Day of India, Ajit Pawar announces free treatment for GBS. Pimpri-Chinchwad region patients will be treated at YCM Hospital, while patients from the Pune Municipal Corporation area will receive treatment at Kamal Nehru Hospital. For the rural area, people will be provided treatment at Sasson Hospital in Pune.
