The toll from the ongoing Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Maharashtra has risen to nine, with the latest victim being a 60-year-old woman from Chandragad Taluka in Kolhapur. The woman, who had been experiencing sudden weakness and numbness, passed away despite receiving medical care.
Maharashtra is battling an alarming outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder, with Pune emerging as the epicenter.As of Tuesday, 11 February the state health authorities reported 192 suspected cases, 167 confirmed infections, and seven fatalities, while 48 patients remain in intensive care—21 relying on ventilators. The outbreak has been traced to contaminated water sources.
Also Read: Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Guidelines Issued to Prevent the Disease – What to Do and What to Avoid
In Maharashtra, particularly in Pune and its surrounding areas, an outbreak started on 9 January. Initially, patients started coming to various hospitals in Pune and nearby regions, and within a month, the number of cases crossed 200
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, resulting in muscle weakness, paralysis, and loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms, as well as problems swallowing or breathing.
The different forms of GBS are commonly known as Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS), Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN), and Acute Motor-Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN). The first symptoms include weakness and tingling in the hands and feet.