Guillain-Barre Syndrome Affects 181 Patients in Maharashtra
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Synopsis
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme in Maharashtra has identified 181 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), with ongoing investigations into 27 additional cases. Eight deaths have been recorded, with efforts underway to manage the situation through enhanced surveillance and public health initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- 181 confirmed GBS cases in Maharashtra
- 27 suspected cases under investigation
- 8 reported deaths, 4 confirmed as GBS related
- Ongoing public health measures and surveillance
- Importance of safe food and water practices highlighted
Mumbai, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of Maharashtra's Public Health Department has reported that a total of 181 individuals have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in the state to date, with no new cases confirmed on Sunday.
The health department also noted another 27 cases are being investigated for potential GBS infection.
So far, eight fatalities have been recorded; of these, four have been confirmed as GBS-related, while the other four are classified as suspected.
According to the department’s report, Pune Municipal Corporation has recorded 42 cases, while 94 cases have emerged from recently identified villages within the PMC jurisdiction, 30 from Pimpri Chinchwad MC, 32 from Pune Rural, and 10 from other districts.
Currently, 131 patients have been discharged, while 42 remain in ICU and 21 are on ventilators.
No new GBS cases have been reported as of Sunday.
An official highlighted some common symptoms of GBS, including sudden weakness in limbs, paralysis, and difficulty walking, along with prolonged episodes of diarrhea.
The state government is actively working to manage the outbreak, having dispatched a state-level rapid response team to the affected areas. Authorities in Pune MC and the rural district have been directed to enhance surveillance efforts.
To ensure public health safety, 6,977 water samples from various locations in the city have been sent for chemical and biological examination, revealing contamination in 85 water sources.
Health promotion activities are being amplified, and private medical practitioners have been urged to report any GBS cases to the public health authorities.
Residents are advised not to panic, as the state’s health department is well-equipped to implement preventive and control measures. In-house surveillance has been conducted in 46,534 homes in Pune MC, 26,160 in PCMC, and 13,956 in Pune rural, totaling 86,650 households surveyed.
Additionally, 82 serum samples have been sent to NIMHANS in Bengaluru for testing of antiganglioside antibodies.
Residents are reminded of the importance of maintaining water quality; they should consume only boiled water.
“Ensure food is fresh and clean, avoiding stale or partially cooked items such as chicken or mutton,” the official recommended.
