Guillain Barre Syndrome is a rare disorder that leads to sudden numbness and muscle weakness, with symptoms such as extreme weakness in the limbs and diarrhea. According to doctors, bacterial and viral infections often trigger GBS by weakening a person’s immune system.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an uncommon neurological condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly targets the peripheral nervous system.
According to doctors, some cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome are mild, while others can result in paralysis and may be life-threatening.
Cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome rise in Pune
Data from the Maharashtra health department shows that 111 individuals have been clinically diagnosed with GBS, and various tests are being conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
Field visits were carried out by teams from the National Institute of Virology and Pune Municipal Corporation at the affected locations. Public health measures included checking the chlorine levels in water supplied by tankers to housing societies. Out of 25,578 homes surveyed as of January 26, health officials identified 146 people with acute diarrhea and dysentery. On Monday, January 27, 2025, Pune reported nine additional suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), bringing the total in the city to 110, according to officials.
Reports about GBS
A health department official reported that the affected individuals include 73 men and 37 women, with 13 patients currently on ventilator support. Health Minister Abitkar, who visited Pune, inspected a well in Nanded village on Sinhgad Road, which supplies water to nearby villages. He noted that 80% of the cases originate from areas around this well. The state health department and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are taking the necessary steps to address the situation.
Abitkar mentioned that, typically, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) does not result in death, but regrettably, a patient suspected of having GBS passed away in Solapur. Measures are being taken to prevent further casualties, and efforts are underway to raise awareness. The minister also announced that GBS has been included in the Mahatma Phule Health Scheme, which offers patients free treatment up to Rs 2 lakh. Additionally, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who manages the finance portfolio, has promised to allocate a separate budget to handle GBS cases.
When asked about accountability for the suspected water contamination, Abitkar explained that concrete actions were being taken to ensure the supply of clean drinking water, and responsibility would be assigned where necessary. He added that the state needed to establish comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) involving municipal corporations, Zilla Parishads, and other local bodies to prevent such issues in the future. The minister stressed that Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) typically affects individuals with weakened immune systems.
Abitkar also mentioned that the high number of cases in certain areas seemed to be related to suspected water contamination and that measures were being taken to resolve the issue and secure a clean water supply. He pointed out that Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria that usually causes stomach infections, can trigger GBS. Drinking water contaminated with this bacteria may increase the risk of developing the immune-related nerve disorder.
