GBS Cases Reach 163 in Pune: Surveillance and Preventive Measures Ramp Up
Pune, 3rd February 2025: The city is currently grappling with a rising number of suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder that can lead to severe muscle weakness and, in extreme cases, paralysis. The Public Health Department has been working tirelessly to address the situation as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
GBS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. Common symptoms of GBS include sudden weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, and prolonged diarrhea. In severe cases, the syndrome can lead to full-body paralysis and respiratory failure, requiring ventilation support.
Current Scenario in Pune
As of February 3, 2025, a total of 163 suspected GBS patients have been reported, with 5 suspected deaths linked to the condition. Of the 163, 127 cases have been confirmed as GBS. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) areas, with 32 patients from PMC, 86 from newly added villages in PMC, 18 from PCMC, 19 from Pune Rural, and 8 from neighboring districts.
Patient Demographics and Current Condition
The patients affected by GBS are spread across various age groups:
- 0-9 years: 3 patients
- 10-19 years: 24 patients
- 20-29 years: 22 patients
- 30-39 years: 35 patients
- 40-49 years: 20 patients
- 50-59 years: 18 patients
- 60-69 years: 25 patients
- 70-79 years: 14 patients
- 80-89 years: 2 patients
Out of the total cases, 47 have been discharged, while 47 patients remain in ICU. Tragically, 21 patients are on ventilator support as they battle severe symptoms of the disorder.
Immediate Response and Measures Taken
In response to the rising number of cases, the state-level rapid response team immediately visited the affected areas. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Rural authorities have been instructed to ramp up surveillance activities and increase health promotion campaigns to ensure public awareness.
Additionally, 168 water samples have been sent for chemical and biological analysis to the Public Health Laboratory. Out of these, samples from 8 water sources were found to be contaminated, sparking concerns about the potential link between water quality and the rise in GBS cases.
Public Health Guidelines for Citizens
The Public Health Department has issued specific guidance for citizens to help mitigate the spread of GBS and prevent further cases. Key recommendations include:
- Boil drinking water to maintain water quality.
- Consume fresh and clean food; avoid stale and partially cooked foods, especially meats such as chicken or mutton.
- Report any symptoms immediately to the nearest government hospital, particularly in the event of weakness, trouble walking, or diarrhea.
Additionally, private medical practitioners have been urged to notify public health authorities of any GBS patients in their care to help track and manage the spread.
Ongoing Surveillance and Testing
As part of the ongoing efforts to understand the root cause of the outbreak, 43,793 houses in PMC, 11,441 houses in PCMC, and 12,864 houses in rural Pune have been surveyed, with a total of 68,098 households surveyed to date. Today, 63 serum samples were sent to NIMHANS Bengaluru for Antiganglioside Antibodies testing to better understand the underlying factors of the outbreak.
State of Readiness
While concerns about the rising number of GBS cases continue, the state health department has reassured citizens that preventive and control measures are in place to contain the spread. Citizens have been urged not to panic, as the situation is being closely monitored, and the public health authorities are fully prepared to handle any further escalation.
