First Fatality from Rare Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Jan 26 (NationPress) Maharashtra has confirmed its initial death linked to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after a Chartered Accountant from Pune passed away due to this condition.

The individual resided in the DSK Vishwa area of Pune and had been experiencing diarrhoea for several days prior. He traveled to his hometown in Solapur district for a private visit.

Upon feeling weakness, he was admitted to a private hospital in Solapur where medical professionals diagnosed him with GBS. He was subsequently transferred to the ICU for advanced treatment. Although he was under medical care, the patient could not move his arms and legs. After an evaluation, doctors noted his condition had stabilized, prompting his transfer from the ICU on Saturday. Unfortunately, he experienced breathing difficulties and passed away on Saturday, according to his family.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an uncommon immunological disorder that leads to sudden numbness and muscle weakness, as the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves.

Interestingly, Pune has garnered attention recently due to a GBS outbreak, with reports indicating 73 confirmed cases, 14 of which are on ventilators. Additionally, nine suspects of GBS were identified on Saturday.

The Pune Municipal Corporation has activated alert protocols and implemented several measures to address the outbreak.

According to sources from the Pune civic body, symptoms of GBS encompass diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, and nausea or vomiting.

Sources indicated, “GBS can arise from consuming contaminated water or food. The infection may lead to diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. In some cases, the immune system may target the nerves, culminating in a GBS diagnosis within 1 to 3 weeks. Furthermore, infections caused by dengue, chikungunya, or other bacterial pathogens can also trigger the immune response.”

The state health department has issued an advisory urging residents to consume only boiled water and refrain from eating in unhygienic conditions or consuming stale food. Citizens experiencing sudden muscle weakness in their arms and legs are advised to see their family doctor or visit the nearest government hospital.

A senior health officer from the state health department noted that while the precise cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome remains uncertain, symptoms tend to manifest following a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. He emphasized that factors such as bacterial or viral infections, recent vaccinations, surgical procedures, and neuropathy can provoke GBS. He reassured the public that despite GBS being a rare condition, it is treatable, and there is no need for panic.

Meanwhile, the Union health ministry has dispatched a team to Pune, where the recent GBS outbreak has impacted 73 individuals in and around the Sinhgad area.

Additionally, Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar stated that the number of GBS cases has risen in Pune. He noted that water contamination has been linked to these infections. The Health Department has mandated the implementation of necessary measures. Currently, the disease is covered under the state health insurance initiative known as Mahatma Phule Jan Aarogya Yojana, with the financial assistance for private hospitals now increased from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.60 lakh.

The Health Minister also mentioned that action would be taken against any hospitals charging excessive fees for GBS treatment. He added that it has been observed that GBS typically occurs when the immune system is compromised. Abitkar confirmed that treatment for GBS in hospitals participating in the state health insurance scheme will be entirely free, ensuring no financial burden on patients.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that GBS patients would receive complimentary treatment at Pune civic body’s Kamala Nehru hospital.

(Sanjay Jog can be reached at sanjay.j@ians.in)