Surge In Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases In Pune: Municipal Commissioner Advises Caution
Surge In Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases In Pune: Municipal Commissioner Advises Caution
In a concerning development, the number of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Maharashtra has crossed 100, prompting the authorities to take preventive measures. Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has urged residents to take precautions, particularly regarding their drinking water, while assuring that there is no need for panic.
Current Situation in Pune
As of now, there are 101 reported GBS cases in Maharashtra, with 64 of these in Pune alone. Among them, 13 patients are on ventilators, while five have been successfully treated and discharged. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has surveyed approximately 25,578 households to monitor and address the situation.
To manage the rising cases, 15 ICU beds at Kamla Nehru Hospital have been reserved for GBS patients, where treatment will be provided free of cost under the Urban Poor Scheme. Dr. Bhosale stated, “We have purchased 200 immunoglobulin injections, which will be supplied to private hospitals treating GBS patients to reduce treatment costs.”
Support for Low-Income Patients
Under the Urban Poor Scheme, the PMC will cover treatment expenses for economically disadvantaged patients who cannot afford medical care. Additionally, PMC officials are actively monitoring private hospitals to ensure that patients and their families receive all necessary support.
Precautionary Measures and Findings
The municipal commissioner emphasized that there is no evidence of GBS-causing pathogens in water samples tested so far. However, residents are advised to consume only boiled water as a precaution. Dr. Bhosale assured the public, “There is no reason to panic. We are actively working to manage the situation.”
The health department has formed rapid response teams to survey affected areas. Stool and blood samples from patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology, which has identified Campylobacter jejuni and norovirus as the culprits in some cases. Water samples from different areas have also been sent to state public health laboratories for further chemical and biological analysis, with results awaited.
- Number of Cases: 101 in Maharashtra, 64 in Pune.
- Treatment: Free care for low-income patients under the Urban Poor Scheme.
- Preventive Advice: Drink only boiled water; no pathogens found in tested samples yet.
- Ongoing Efforts: Rapid response teams and laboratory investigations underway.
Authorities continue to provide regular updates to ensure transparency and public awareness. Citizens are encouraged to remain cautious but calm as the administration intensifies its efforts to contain the spread of GBS.
