Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases Surge in Maharashtra, Prompting Health Measures

Over 110 cases and two deaths reported in Pune, with suspected links to water contamination; state and federal agencies intensify response.

Pune has reported 111 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and two deaths, with 17 patients on ventilator support, raising public health concerns.
Experts suspect water contamination as a potential cause, with bacteria like Campylobacter jejuni and norovirus detected in water samples from affected areas.
The Maharashtra government has deployed a Rapid Response Team and reserved 60 hospital beds for GBS patients, while federal health authorities have sent a seven-member expert team to assist in managing the outbreak.
GBS is a rare neurological condition where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, often following bacterial or viral infections, and can lead to paralysis or death in severe cases.
Residents are advised to drink boiled water, maintain food hygiene, and seek medical attention for symptoms like muscle weakness, tingling, or difficulty breathing.