Pune: No New GBS Cases Reported Today, Maharashtra Health Dept Continues Surveillance

Pune, 31st January 2025: The Maharashtra Health Department has confirmed 98 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) out of 140 suspected cases reported so far, with four suspected deaths linked to the condition. Among these, 18 patients are currently on ventilators.

GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.

Current Status of GBS Cases in Pune Region

Total suspected cases: 140
Confirmed cases: 98
Deaths under investigation: 4
Geographical distribution of cases:

Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC): 26
Newly merged villages in PMC: 78
Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC): 15
Pune rural areas: 10
Other districts: 11

Patients on ventilator: 18
No new cases reported today

Common Symptoms of GBS:

Sudden weakness in hands or legs
Difficulty walking or sudden muscle weakness
Paralysis
Persistent diarrhea

To contain the outbreak and identify its possible causes, the health
department has implemented several measures:

A state-level rapid response team visited the affected areas.
Pune Municipal Corporation and rural district health officials have intensified surveillance activities.160 water samples from various parts of Pune have been sent for
chemical and biological testing, with contamination detected in eight water sources.

Private medical practitioners have been urged to report any GBS cases to public health authorities.

House-to-house surveys have been conducted, covering:

40,457 houses in Pune Municipal Corporation
10,718 houses in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation
12,295 houses in Pune rural areas
Total households surveyed: 63,470

Authorities have urged residents to follow preventive measures to
reduce the risk of infection:

Drink only boiled or purified water.
Consume fresh and hygienic food.
Avoid stale or undercooked food, especially chicken and mutton.
Seek medical attention immediately if any GBS symptoms appear.

The Maharashtra Health Department has assured citizens that there is no need to panic as efforts are underway to control the situation.
Residents are encouraged to follow hygiene guidelines and report any suspected cases to government hospitals.