News Brief
Maharashtra Reports Over 100 Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases; ICMR Investigation Underway
A researcher working in a lab. (representative image) (Flickr/FDA).
Maharashtra has reported over 100 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), prompting the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to launch an investigation into the outbreak.
A team of experts has been deployed to collect and analyse various samples in an effort to determine the cause behind the sudden rise in cases, reported ANI.
Director General of ICMR, Dr Rajiv Bahl, stated that "samples of stool and blood of those infected are being tested at the NIV Pune lab, but yet to get any definite leads on the cause behind the spread."
He noted that in only 40 per cent of GBS cases is a clear cause or link identified.
The Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, often associated with GBS, was found in four stool samples from 21 patients in Pune, while norovirus was detected in some cases.
However, Dr Bahl clarified, "We received some had diarrhoea but according to the medical literature norovirus doesn't lead to GBS. So, this is still under investigation cause is yet not identified."
The Union Health Ministry has dispatched a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Pune to assist state authorities in containing the outbreak and implementing necessary interventions.
The central team consists of seven experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, NIMHANS Bengaluru, the Regional Office of Health & Family Welfare, and the National Institute for Virology (NIV), Pune. Three NIV experts were already working with local health officials.
Authorities have also urged private medical practitioners to notify public health officials of any GBS cases.
Maharashtra has reported its first suspected GBS-related death in Solapur, while Pune remains the worst-affected district with over 100 cases.
GBS is an autoimmune disorder that can cause sudden weakness in the limbs, paralysis, and difficulty walking. It may be preceded by diarrhoea or respiratory infections.
Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, explained, "GBS occurs when antibodies, created to fight bacterial or viral infections like Campylobacter jejuni or respiratory infections, cross-react with the peripheral nerves. This leads to ascending paralysis, starting in the legs and moving upward. In severe cases, patients may lose the ability to breathe due to thoracic muscle weakness and require ventilatory support."
Dr Bhargavi Ramanujam, Senior Consultant in Neurology at PSRI Hospital, highlighted the importance of early recognition.
Timely intervention is critical, with treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasma exchange significantly improving outcomes.
Authorities have advised citizens to maintain water hygiene, drink boiled water, and ensure proper food safety by keeping cooked and uncooked food separate.
