The city reported its first death due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) on Wednesday, marking Maharashtra’s eighth fatality linked to the rare neurological disorder. The deceased, a 53-year-old man, had been undergoing treatment at Nair Hospital since January 26 after experiencing breathing difficulties and was placed on a ventilator.
According to hospital sources, the patient had recently returned from Pune, a region heavily affected by the GBS outbreak. On Tuesday, another fatality was recorded—a 37-year-old driver from Pune who succumbed to the illness.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s first confirmed case of GBS was reported on February 7 when a 64-year-old woman from Andheri East was diagnosed with the disorder. Civic officials stated that she is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a civic-run hospital.
GBS Cases Surge in Maharashtra
The number of suspected and confirmed GBS cases in Pune has now risen to 197, with five new cases reported. According to the state health department, 172 of these cases have been officially diagnosed with the syndrome.
A breakdown of Pune’s cases shows:
- 40 patients from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) areas
- 92 patients from newly added villages in PMC limits
- 29 patients from Pimpri Chinchwad civic limits
- 28 patients from Pune rural areas
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
GBS is an autoimmune disorder that typically develops a few weeks after a viral infection, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis. The condition primarily affects the limbs, but in some cases, it can impair respiratory and swallowing muscles.
While the exact cause of GBS remains unknown, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that it is neither contagious nor inherited. Treatment focuses on symptom management and accelerating recovery, but there is no definitive cure.
Government Response
In response to the rising cases, Union Health Minister JP Nadda chaired a high-level meeting on February 3 with Maharashtra’s health and medical officials. The discussion focused on public health measures, testing protocols, and treatment strategies for GBS patients across the state.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, health experts urge people experiencing symptoms such as muscle weakness, fever, or paralysis to seek immediate medical attention.
Sources By Agencies