GBS Outbreak: “No Need for Panic” – Pune Municipal Commissioner Monitors Guillain-Barré Syndrome Situation

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Pune, 22nd January 2025: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Dr Rajendra Bhosale has announced that the city has identified cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with samples sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for testing. PMC Commissioner is closely monitoring the situation, stepping in as the health department faced criticism for neglecting the issue.

“We will have more information about the cause of this illness once we receive the test results from NIV,” Dr. Bhosale stated. He emphasized that there’s no need for panic among citizens, as the PMC is vigilantly tracking the situation.

A total of 24 GBS cases have been reported across Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and rural areas. Five cases are from the Sinhagad Road area and Dhayari in Pune city. Of the affected patients, two are on ventilator support, and eight are in intensive care units.

Dr Bhosale explained that GBS is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the muscles. The cases are distributed as follows: 5 in Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 2 in Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area, and 16 in rural areas of Pune district.

PMC’s rapid action teams are conducting inspections in Sinhagad Road, Dhayari, and other affected areas. Blood and urine samples from patients have been sent to NIV for analysis.

Symptoms of GBS include:
– Weakness in hands and feet
– Tingling sensation in limbs
– Difficulty in eating and speaking
– Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties

The health department awaits further instructions from the Maharashtra Government following NIV’s report.