Pune:
A alarming surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases in Maharashtra, particularly in the city of Pune, has prompted swift and stringent actions from health authorities and the government. The outbreak, which has been linked to contaminated water sources, has resulted in a significant number of suspected and confirmed cases, prompting a multi-faceted response to manage the crisis.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken decisive measures, including the sealing of 30 private water supply plants in areas identified as the epicenter of the outbreak. These plants, located in Nanded village, Dhayari, and adjoining areas on Sinhgad Road, were found to be contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria and lacked proper permissions and disinfection protocols. This action underscores the commitment to ensuring safe drinking water, a critical factor in controlling the spread of GBS.
At the national level, the Union Health Minister convened a high-level meeting on February 3 to review the public health measures being implemented to address the GBS cases. This meeting highlighted the coordinated effort between state and central health authorities to enhance testing, treatment, and surveillance.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) is providing crucial technical and field support to help manage the outbreak. WHO teams are on the ground, training the health workforce in active case searches, analyzing epidemiology, and creating spot maps to track the geographical distribution of the disease.
As of the latest reports, a total of 192 suspected cases of GBS have been identified in Maharashtra, with 167 confirmed cases. The outbreak has resulted in seven deaths, with one confirmed as GBS and six suspected. The cases are dispersed across various regions, including 39 from Pune Municipal Corporation, 91 from newly added villages in the PMC area, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, 25 from Pune Rural, and 8 from other districts.
The current health status of the affected patients is critical, with 48 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 21 on ventilators. However, there is some relief as 91 patients have been discharged after receiving treatment.
State health authorities are intensifying surveillance efforts in the affected areas to identify and treat new cases promptly. The medical treatment for GBS involves immunotherapy, such as plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin, to speed up recovery and reduce symptoms. For patients with persistent muscle weakness, rehabilitation services are essential to strengthen muscles and restore movement.
GBS, an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leads to symptoms like muscle weakness and potential paralysis. The ongoing efforts by health authorities, supported by the WHO, aim to mitigate these symptoms and prevent further spread of the disease.
