Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Prof. Dr. Shivanand Bandekar, dean of Goa Medical College (GMC), has informed the public that Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is not yet a serious health concern in Goa and has advised them not to panic.
Dr. Bandekar said, “The situation in Goa is not alarming, but GBS is endemic in Pune.” He clarified that the symptoms of GBS usually start with diarrhoea and then proceed to paralysis in the lower limbs, belly, diaphragm, breathing muscles, and upper limbs.
The most serious consequence is respiratory paralysis, which necessitates careful observation and, in extreme situations, ICU ventilator assistance.
GBS, sometimes known as “adult polio,” is a viral infection, according to Dr. Bandekar, who also emphasised the significance of practicing excellent personal hygiene in order to prevent the illness, particularly in areas where it is endemic.
“Practice good hygiene and wash your hands before eating. GMC sees one to two isolated cases of GBS every month, with no clusters arising from certain regions of the State.
Although there is no vaccine for GBS, simple hygiene can help lower the risk.
“To remove the virus, we have plasmapheresis, a state-of-the-art therapy technique that was implemented during COVID-19. It has proven to be a useful treatment for GBS patients,” he continued.
Dr. Bandekar reaffirmed that there is no reason to be alarmed in Goa, even though GBS is still a problem in places like Pune.