GBS Outbreak: Andhra Pradesh Cases Increased To 17

Maharashtra is currently managing cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), while Andhra Pradesh has reported two fatalities linked to the condition, which includes a 45-year-old woman and a young child.

On Monday, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav stated that the two deaths occurred within the last ten days.

“There are 17 GBS cases now. This is a non-communicable disease with an incidence rate of up to two per one lakh population. This is not a sudden spurt of cases; this is normal,” said Yadav

The minister noted that an average of 25 cases are reported each month and indicated that most can be treated with standard care, although some severe cases will need immunoglobulin injections and hospitalization in the intensive care unit.

How it occurs and its symptoms

GBS occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, resulting in muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations. Now, let's have a look at the symptoms:

• A tingling sensation in the fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists.
• Weakness in the legs that progresses to the upper body.
• Difficulty walking or an inability to walk or climb stairs.
• Challenges with facial movements, such as speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
• Double vision or difficulty moving the eyes.
• Intense pain that may feel sore, sharp, or cramp-like and may be worse at night.
• Issues with bladder control or bowel functions.
• Increased heart rate.
• Low or high blood pressure.
• Trouble breathing.

Currently, there is no known cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Nevertheless, treatments like plasma exchange, also referred to as plasmapheresis and immunoglobulin therapy, are commonly used to relieve symptoms and facilitate recovery.