Guillain-Barré Syndrome Claims First Life in Maharashtra, 101 Affected
Guillain-Barré Syndrome claims first life in Maharashtra, with 101 cases reported. Health authorities are taking action to control the outbreak.
image for illustrative purpose
A significant health concern has emerged in Maharashtra, as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) claims its first victim in Solapur. The rare neurological disorder, which affects the immune system and causes nerve damage, has spread rapidly, leading to 101 confirmed cases in Pune alone. Health officials are on high alert, taking swift action to prevent further spread of the disease.
The first fatality occurred on January 18, when a patient from Solapur was admitted to a private hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing. Despite being placed in the ICU, the patient succumbed to the effects of GBS. Doctors confirmed that the victim had been suffering from diarrhea, along with cold and cough symptoms, prior to hospitalization.
GBS, a disorder that attacks the immune system’s nerves, has seen a sharp rise in cases in recent days. Over the past 24 hours, 28 new cases have been reported, with 18 individuals requiring ventilator support. Among those affected, 19 children under the age of 9 have tested positive, and 23 cases have been recorded in individuals aged between 50 and 80 years.
The situation has prompted local authorities to intensify efforts to control the spread of the disease. Water testing has been ramped up, particularly around the Khadakwasla Dam area, where the majority of cases have been traced. Alarmingly, high levels of E. coli bacteria were found in a well near the dam, raising concerns about possible contamination.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as muscle weakness, nerve pain, and paralysis. In addition to cold and cough, many patients experience diarrhea and vomiting. While GBS is not contagious, its symptoms can be severe, and it primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, including the elderly and young children.
Although GBS is a rare disease, it is not without hope for recovery. Medical professionals report that 80 per cent of patients who receive timely treatment regain the ability to walk independently within six months of discharge. However, some patients may require up to a year or more for a full recovery.
Treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome is costly, with each immunoglobulin (IVIG) injection, a key part of the treatment regimen, priced at around Rs 20,000. In response to the growing health crisis, Maharashtra’s Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar, has announced that GBS treatment will be provided free of charge at government hospitals.
