Neurological Society Of Pune Issues Public Alert Over Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak In Sinhagad Road Area

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The Neurological Society of Pune has issued a public alert regarding an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the Sinhagad Road area. Health authorities have identified a potential connection to Campylobacter infection, commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water.
GBS is a rare but treatable neurological disorder where the immune system attacks the body’s nerves, leading to symptoms such as weakness in the limbs, neck, face, and eyes, tingling or numbness, and difficulty in walking, swallowing, or breathing in severe cases. The illness can develop suddenly and worsen within weeks, with some patients requiring ICU care and ventilatory support. Treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasma exchange can help manage the condition.
The suspected cause, Campylobacter Jejuni, typically leads to diarrhea and abdominal pain. However, in some cases, the immune system mistakenly targets nerves, triggering GBS 1 to 3 weeks after infection. Other potential triggers for GBS include viral infections like dengue and chikungunya, or bacterial infections.
Common symptoms of a Campylobacter infection include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, fever, and nausea or vomiting. Authorities urge individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek prompt medical attention to mitigate health risks.
The Neurological Society continues to monitor the situation closely and advises residents in the affected areas to be cautious about food and water safety.