Two More Succumb to GBS in Pune, Death Toll Reaches 11

Pune, 20th February 2025: The death toll due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune has climbed to 11, with two more patients losing their lives while undergoing treatment. The deceased include a 26-year-old woman from Nanded City township and a 37-year-old man from Daund.

The 26-year-old woman, who was initially admitted to a private hospital on January 22, had to be shifted due to the escalating cost of treatment.
“Within two days, the medical bills had already crossed ₹3 lakh,” said Deepak Sharma, the victim’s uncle. “We couldn’t afford to continue her treatment at the same hospital, so we moved her to Navale Hospital, where she was immediately placed on ventilator support.”

Dr. Nanda Dhavale, Medical Superintendent at Navale Hospital, confirmed that the patient was in critical condition upon admission on January 25. “She had already been diagnosed with GBS and had received three doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG),” Dhavale said.

The woman was diagnosed with an axonal variant of GBS, which affects critical nerves and is considered more severe. “Such cases often require prolonged ventilator support, increasing the risk of infections,” Dhavale added. “She remained on a ventilator for 25 days before succumbing on February 18 at 3:54 PM.”

Her preliminary cause of death was listed as septicemic shock, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, and fulminant GBS.

The victim’s family expressed their grief over the tragic loss. “She had come to Pune from Baramati for higher education. She was a bright student with a promising future,” said Sharma.

The second fatality was a 37-year-old man from Daund, who was undergoing treatment at Sassoon General Hospital.

According to doctors, he was admitted on January 10 after experiencing weakness in his hands. His condition deteriorated, and between February 11 and 13, he was administered IVIG and diagnosed with GBS.

Despite medical intervention, he experienced acute respiratory failure and autonomic dysfunction, leading to quadriplegia. He passed away on February 17.
Current Status of GBS Cases in Pune.

Health officials report that 36 patients with GBS symptoms remain in intensive care, with 16 still on ventilator support. No new cases were reported on Wednesday, keeping the total number of affected individuals in Pune and surrounding areas at 211.