One person suspected to be suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome has died in Solapur, Maharashtra, the state Health Department said here on Thursday. The person, who was working in Pune, had returned to his native district before his death.
The Pune district has, till January 26, reported a total of 101 cases of GBS, according to an official statement from the Maharashtra Public Health Department. Of the 101 cases, 81 are from the PMC, 14 from Pimpri Chinchwad, and 6 from other areas of the district. The affected population comprises 68 males and 33 females, with 16 patients currently on ventilatory support.
The Health Department, in response to the rising cases, has issued guidelines that stress the importance of maintaining water quality. It has been advised that residents drink boiled water and ensure that food is fresh and hygienically prepared. The guidelines also recommend keeping cooked and uncooked items separate to minimize the risk of infection.
Authorities have appealed to the public not to panic, but to seek medical care at government facilities if they develop any symptoms. Common symptoms of GBS include sudden weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, and diarrhea lasting longer than usual.
To tackle the situation, a state-level rapid response team has already visited the affected areas. The Pune Municipal Corporation and the rural district authorities have been instructed to increase the surveillance. Water samples from different spots in the city are being tested at the Public Health Laboratory for their chemical and biological safety.
House-to-house surveillance has increased by the state government in which more than 25,578 houses have been surveyed in Pune district so far.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: This is a very rare disease where the nerves of the body get attacked by the immune system, which results in paralysis. These conditions usually start as tingling of the hands and feet but can rapidly advance to weakness. Since most people who develop GBS must be treated in a hospital, the cause of the syndrome is still not known.
