Pune Reports 73 Guillain-Barre Syndrome Cases in a Week
They are trying to identify possible cases and create awareness about GBS. Around 7,200 homes were checked in two days.
Three hospitals in Pune have reported a sudden rise in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases. On Monday, the city had 26 cases. By Friday, the number increased to 73. Health authorities are alarmed by this rapid surge.
Out of the 73 cases, 14 patients are on ventilator support. However, no deaths have been reported so far. Municipal and district health workers have begun door-to-door surveys. They are trying to identify possible cases and create awareness about GBS. Around 7,200 homes were checked in two days.
GBS is a rare but treatable autoimmune disease. It occurs when a person’s immune system attacks their nerves. Experts say the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni may have triggered the outbreak. Stool samples from several hospitals confirmed the presence of this bacteria.
The outbreak began on January 9, with the first case being an eight-year-old boy. The affected include an infant and a toddler. Doctors are closely monitoring the situation.
The Union Health Ministry’s Central Surveillance Unit (CSU) has taken notice. A team of doctors will assist local authorities in handling the outbreak. Hospitals like Sassoon Hospital are preparing medicines and supplies to treat the patients.
Of the 73 cases, 44 are from Pune rural areas, 11 from Pune city, and 15 from Pimpri-Chinchwad. Some areas with high cases include Kirkitwadi (14), DSK Vishwa (8), and Nanded City (7). Patients include children, teenagers, and elderly people.
Health workers are advising people to watch for symptoms like numbness in the limbs and long-lasting diarrhea. Authorities are working hard to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.