Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases Rise to 101 in Maharashtra, Pune Reports Highest Numbers
Pune, 27th January 2025: The number of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Maharashtra has surged to 101, with 16 patients currently on ventilators. Pune district has emerged as the most affected region, reporting 62 cases from rural areas, 19 within Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, and 14 under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Six additional cases have been reported from other districts, and a suspected GBS-related death was recorded in Solapur.
In response to the alarming rise in cases, the Health Department has surveyed 25,578 houses across affected areas. PMC teams inspected 15,761 homes, PCMC covered 3,719, and 7,098 houses were surveyed in rural regions. The department has also formed rapid response teams to monitor the situation closely.
Health officials have collected stool and blood samples from affected individuals, which are being analyzed at the National Institute of Virology. Early test results have detected infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni and norovirus in some patients. Additionally, water samples from various parts of Pune have been sent to the State Public Health Laboratory for chemical and biological testing, though results are awaited.
Over half of the GBS patients are critically ill and undergoing intensive care treatment. The average cost of treatment ranges from ₹5 to ₹10 lakh, depending on the hospital’s size and facilities. In some cases, expenses exceed ₹10 lakh, making treatment inaccessible to many.
Under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, GBS patients are entitled to free treatment up to ₹2 lakh. However, with treatment costs often exceeding this limit, families of patients are struggling to cover the additional expenses.
To address this issue, the Pune Municipal Corporation has announced financial assistance for economically weaker patients, aiming to bridge the gap between the actual treatment cost and the amount covered under government schemes.
The Health Department has intensified its efforts to control the spread of the disease. Rapid response teams are inspecting high-risk areas and closely monitoring the situation. With nearly half the state’s GBS cases concentrated in Pune, authorities are urging residents to follow health advisories and take preventive measures.
