Pune, Maharashtra, has reported 111 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), prompting local authorities to establish a dedicated hospital ward at Kamala Nehru Hospital. The Maharashtra Health Minister, Prakash Abitkar, confirmed that 17 patients are on ventilators, and at least one death has been reported.
Meanwhile, West Bengal’s Health and Family Welfare Department has stated that no increase in GBS cases has been observed in their region. The department noted that GBS is neither new nor rare, with sporadic cases regularly monitored as part of polio surveillance in children.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
GBS is a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing symptoms like weakness, tingling, and paralysis. While the exact cause remains unknown, the condition often follows a viral or bacterial infection.
The sudden rise in cases has drawn the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO), which has dispatched a team to Pune for further assessment. Given the severity of symptoms, hospital treatment is necessary for most patients, with some requiring ventilator support.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause behind the outbreak, urging citizens to seek medical attention if they experience early symptoms such as weakness or numbness.
