In Pune, Maharashtra, a 36-year-old man died of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, as the third suspected death due to GBS in the state. The report by news agency PTI came out on January 31.
The police said that the victim, a taxi driver, was admitted to Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital in Pimpri Chinchwad on January 21. As per the inquiry report of the expert committee regarding his death at the hospital, the victim succumbed to injury to the respiratory system leading to severe respiratory distress due to pneumonia.
With this newest case, Maharashtra’s suspected GBS death toll is now three. Previous cases include a 56-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man who were reported to have died on January 29 and January 26, respectively.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a disease of the nerves due to damage by the immune system; symptoms include weakness, numbness, and paralysis. Initial symptoms may include tingling sensations in hands and feet, often rapidly worsening. Most individuals with this condition must be treated in the hospital, but fortunately, GBS is an extremely rare disease, and its exact cause is not known.
Due to the emergence of new cases, the health department has given advice to people about water quality management. Recommendations are to drink boiled water and to eat fresh and clean food. Added to that, it is also advisable to separate cooked and uncooked foods in order to minimize the chance of infection.
