Andhra Pradesh Sees Another GBS-Related Death
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Synopsis
Another fatality from Gullain Barre Syndrome (GBS) was confirmed in Andhra Pradesh, bringing the total death toll to five. Health officials are investigating the surge in cases while assuring the public that the situation is manageable.
Key Takeaways
- Recent death raises GBS fatalities to five in Andhra Pradesh.
- Health authorities are monitoring 17-18 active GBS cases.
- Public awareness is crucial for timely medical intervention.
- Immunoglobulin injections are being supplied to hospitals.
- No need for panic; health department is prepared.
Vijayawada, Feb 19 (NationPress) A new fatality from Gullain Barre Syndrome (GBS) was reported in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, raising the total number of deaths linked to GBS in the state to five.
The latest victim, Sheikh Gowhar Jaan, was admitted to the Government General Hospital in Guntur on February 2 with GBS symptoms and sadly passed away on Wednesday.
Previously, four other individuals had succumbed to similar symptoms: Renuka Mohanti (63) from Vizianagaram district, Sunitha (35) from NTR district, and Kamalamma from Prakasam district, all over the past month and a half.
According to the Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, there are currently 17-18 cases of GBS in the state, with a total of 45 reported in the last 40-50 days.
The minister reassured the public that there is no reason to panic, stating that GBS is not a new illness. He noted that last year, 301 cases were documented in 11 of the 17 government general hospitals across the state.
Efforts are underway to investigate the reasons behind the recent increase in cases. “This is not a pandemic, nor is it confined to a specific region,” he emphasized, adding that the health department is well-prepared to manage the situation.
Satya Kumar pointed out that a lack of public awareness may have contributed to the rise in cases, as individuals are not seeking medical help promptly after experiencing tingling and numbness in their legs.
He acknowledged that the media's focus has led to some public panic.
The health department is currently on high alert. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the health minister, and senior officials have been convening regularly to assess the situation.
Medical professionals treating GBS patients in Andhra Pradesh are also seeking advice from specialists in other states.
The health minister noted that the global incidence of GBS ranges from 1 to 2 percent per 100,000 people. Approximately 85 percent of patients recover, while only 15 percent require Immunoglobulin injections.
The department is ensuring that necessary Immunoglobulin injections are available in all teaching and district hospitals.
Special Chief Secretary Health M. T. Krishna Babu stated that the state has 1,200 Immunoglobulin injections on hand and will procure an additional 6,000 soon. He mentioned that the department has been vigilant following a reported increase in GBS cases in Pune.
