Top Indian News
+

Maharashtra grapples with surge in GBS: 163 cases reported, water contamination suspected

Maharashtra: Maharashtra is currently facing a significant increase in suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases, with 163 reported so far. Health officials are investigating potential links to water contamination in Pune and surrounding districts, while authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Author
Edited By: Muskan Dhami
Follow us:

Maharashtra is currently facing a significant increase in suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases, with 163 reported so far. (FreePik)

Maharashtra: In a concerning health development, the number of suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases in Maharashtra has now escalated to 163, with five new cases reported in Pune. The surge has raised alarm among health authorities, with officials confirming a total of 127 confirmed GBS cases across Pune city, rural areas, and surrounding districts.

Details of the new cases and regional distribution

The health department reported the detection of five more suspected GBS cases on Monday, though there were no reported fatalities. The confirmed cases of GBS have now reached 127, with 163 individuals under suspicion of having the disorder. Of the suspected cases, 32 are from Pune city, 86 from newly included villages within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 18 from Pimpri Chinchwad, 19 from rural Pune, and 8 from other districts. "Five cases were detected, though no death was reported on Monday," said an official.

Current condition of the patients

Among the 163 suspected patients, 47 have already been discharged, while 47 others are being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Additionally, 21 patients are currently receiving ventilator support. The condition of those affected varies, with severe cases posing a significant risk to health, particularly due to the potential for near-total paralysis in more extreme instances.

Water contamination found as a potential cause

A crucial part of the ongoing investigation involves the analysis of water sources. Health authorities have sent 168 water samples from different areas of Pune for chemical and biological testing. The analysis has revealed contamination in samples taken from eight different water sources. This discovery is raising concerns about the role contaminated water may have played in the spread of GBS in the region.

Understanding Guillain-Barre Syndrome

GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness, loss of sensation in limbs, and potentially impairing the ability to swallow or breathe. Severe cases can result in near-total paralysis. Although more common in adult males, GBS can affect individuals of all ages.

Response efforts and further investigation

In response to the alarming rise in suspected GBS cases, a Rapid Response Team (RRT) has been deployed by the state health department to investigate the cause. The RRT has directed health officials to focus on areas where clusters of GBS cases have been reported. A review meeting was held on Monday, where local health department officials were present, and fresh guidelines for managing the GBS outbreak will be issued soon.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also appointed a high-level multidisciplinary team to oversee the situation and provide further guidance on public health interventions.

×