Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak in Pune Region: 181 Confirmed Cases, 8 Deaths Reported
Pune, 15th February 2025: The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of the Maharashtra Government’s Public Health Department has released a press note detailing the current scenario of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the Pune Region as of today. The autoimmune disorder, which attacks the peripheral nervous system, has affected 181 confirmed patients, with an additional 27 suspected cases.
The outbreak has claimed 8 lives so far, with 4 confirmed GBS deaths and 4 suspected. The geographical distribution of cases shows 42 patients from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 94 from newly added villages in the PMC area, 30 from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), 32 from Pune Rural, and 10 from other districts.
Of the total patients, 124 have been discharged, while 47 remain in ICU care, and 21 are on ventilator support. The age group most affected is 20-29 years, with 44 cases, followed by the 50-59 age group with 30 cases.
In response to the outbreak, authorities have implemented several measures. A state-level rapid response team has visited the affected areas, and surveillance activities have been intensified. Water quality testing has been a priority, with 6,977 samples analyzed and 85 water sources found contaminated. House-to-house surveillance has covered 86,650 homes across the region.
The health department urges citizens not to panic and to seek medical attention at government hospitals if symptoms such as sudden weakness in limbs, trouble walking, or prolonged diarrhoea occur. Preventive measures include drinking boiled water, consuming fresh and clean food, and avoiding stale or partially cooked meat.
