Pune: 41-Year-Old Chartered Accountant Becomes First Casualty of Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak; Cases Surge to 111
PUNE: A 41-year-old chartered accountant from Pune has succumbed to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), becoming the first fatality in an outbreak that has rocked the city since January 9. The Maharashtra Health Department confirmed the death on January 25, with Health Minister Prakash Abitkar addressing the alarming situation during a press conference.
As of January 27, a staggering 111 cases have been reported in Pune, with 17 patients currently on ventilator support and seven discharged after treatment. The outbreak has prompted the central government to dispatch a multi-disciplinary team from Delhi and Bengaluru to assist the state with public health measures.
Timeline of the Deceased’s Illness
The deceased, a native of Solapur, developed diarrhoea on January 9, initially self-medicating. After briefly recovering, he traveled to Solapur on January 14 with his family but was hospitalized on January 18 due to severe weakness and paralysis. Despite receiving a five-day course of immunoglobulin injections, his condition worsened, leading to his death on January 25.
Dr. Sanjeev Thakur, Dean of Vaishampayan Medical College in Solapur, revealed that cerebrospinal fluid, nerve tissue, and organ samples from the deceased have been sent for testing to identify potential triggers, with results expected within a week.
Outbreak Investigations and Findings
Experts have identified Campylobacter jejuni and norovirus as potential triggers for GBS in this outbreak. Campylobacter jejuni is commonly linked to contaminated food and water, while norovirus can spread rapidly through unhygienic conditions.
According to Dr. Rakhi Mane, head of Solapur Municipal Corporation’s health department, water samples from affected areas are being tested, and bottled water samples are under scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration.
Health Measures and Guidelines
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar emphasized the need for immediate and comprehensive measures to control the outbreak. Key steps include:
- Testing water from municipal and private sources.
- Conducting door-to-door health surveys.
- Advising citizens to drink boiled water and ensure proper food hygiene.
- Increasing public awareness of GBS symptoms, such as sudden limb weakness, paralysis, and prolonged diarrhoea.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and district health authorities have ramped up surveillance, covering over 25,000 households. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale shared that patients have been predominantly reported from areas like Sinhagad Road, Khadakwasla, Nandedgaon, and Dhayri.
Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome
GBS is a rare autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Early symptoms include tingling sensations in the hands and feet, progressing to difficulty walking or moving. Although treatable, GBS requires timely medical intervention, with most patients requiring hospitalization.
Appeal to Citizens
The Maharashtra Health Department has urged citizens to maintain hygiene, avoid risky foods such as raw poultry, paneer, cheese, unpasteurized milk, and untreated water, and report symptoms immediately to a hospital. Minister Abitkar assured the public that recovery rates are high, and there is no need to panic.
This outbreak underscores the importance of adhering to food safety guidelines and ensuring access to clean water, as investigations into its cause and containment measures continue.
