Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases on Rise in Pune: The city is witnessing an alarming rise in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder that affects the body’s immune system, causing it to attack the nerves. As of now, 59 individuals have been diagnosed with this condition. Among these, 12 are on ventilators. The rising number of GBS patients has prompted Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, the Divisional Commissioner of Pune, to call for an urgent meeting with state and municipal health officials to assess the situation.
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In the meeting, it was reported that hospitals have submitted detailed reports of GBS cases to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Dr. Pulkundwar emphasized the need for health officials to thoroughly investigate the medical histories of the affected individuals, as GBS is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the body’s nerves. The condition often follows infections like gastrointestinal diseases or influenza. However, Dr. Pulkundwar assured the public that there is no need for panic, adding that the situation is under control.
In line with the rising cases, health officials have also urged residents to follow important health guidelines to reduce the risk of infection. These include boiling drinking water and avoiding the consumption of stale or uncovered food. According to the state health department, the 59 affected individuals include 33 from rural Pune, 11 from the municipal area, and 12 from Pimpri-Chinchwad. Three cases have been reported from other districts.
Which Age Group is Most Affected?
The majority of the affected individuals are from the younger population. Among the 59 cases, 11 children are aged between 0-9 years, while 12 are between 10-19 years old. Additionally, seven individuals are in the 20-29 age group, eight in the 30-39 range, and another eight in the 40-49 age group. Older adults are also affected, with five cases in the 50-59 range, seven in the 60-69 range, and one in the 70-80 range. A total of 38 men and 21 women have been affected, with patients currently being treated across multiple hospitals.
Dr. Amit Dravid, an infectious disease consultant, reassured the public that there is no need to panic, stressing that only one in every thousand people infected with Campylobacter jejuni (a bacterial infection often contracted from undercooked poultry) develops GBS. While GBS can lead to severe complications, including paralysis and difficulty breathing in extreme cases, the chances of developing the syndrome remain low.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome generally appear suddenly and progress rapidly over a few days or weeks. Common symptoms include weakness and tingling sensations in the hands and feet, often beginning in the legs and spreading to the arms and face. Patients may experience difficulty walking and moving, leading to challenges with basic mobility. Neuropathic pain, especially in the back and limbs, is another symptom. In severe cases, GBS can affect autonomic functions such as heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and, in critical situations, cause respiratory difficulties, requiring mechanical ventilation.
What Causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
The most common cause of GBS is an infection with Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria found in undercooked poultry. Other viral infections, including Epstein-Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Zika virus, have also been linked to GBS. The syndrome is believed to occur when these infections trigger the body’s immune system to attack its own nervous system. In some cases, vaccines for diseases such as influenza or tetanus may also contribute to the development of GBS, though the risk remains extremely low compared to the benefits of vaccination.
As the situation evolves, health authorities in Pune continue to monitor the number of cases and encourage the public to follow recommended health practices to prevent further spread of infections linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome. (Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases on Rise in Pune)
