Pune Records 73 Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases, 14 on Ventilator; Kirkitwadi Reports Highest Cases
Pune: The total number of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune has risen to 73, including six new suspected cases reported recently, according to health officials. Among the affected, 47 are men and 26 are women, with 14 patients currently on ventilator support.
Health authorities provided a detailed breakdown of the cases: of the 73 reported till Friday, 44 are from Pune’s rural areas, 11 from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, and 15 from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) region. The highest number of cases have been reported from Kirkitwadi (14), DSK Vishwa (8), Nanded City (7), and Khadakwasla (6).
Age-wise, three patients are under the age of five, 18 are between six and 15 years old, and seven are above 60.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It can damage nerves controlling muscle movement and sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch.
The symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of sensation in the limbs, and difficulties in swallowing or breathing. Though rare, GBS is more common in adults and males, but it can affect individuals of any age. Authorities have clarified that GBS is not contagious and cannot lead to an epidemic or pandemic.
Authorities Respond to the Rise in Cases
In response to the increase in cases, the Maharashtra State Health Department has formed a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to investigate the situation. Surveillance efforts are being carried out in collaboration with the PMC, PCMC, and rural health authorities.
To date, over 7,200 homes have been surveyed in the affected areas. This includes 1,943 homes within the PMC limits, 1,750 in the PCMC area, and 3,522 in rural regions.
The state health department continues to monitor the situation closely and has urged residents to report any symptoms associated with GBS for timely medical care.
