Pune: Fifth Death Due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome as Cases Rise to 149, WHO Assists in Response
Pune, February 2 – A 60-year-old man from Nanded Gaon undergoing treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) at Sassoon General Hospital succumbed to the disease early Saturday, marking the fifth fatality linked to GBS in Pune. The patient, who also had hypertension, was admitted on January 16 and passed away at 12:30 a.m. due to respiratory failure caused by complications from GBS, doctors confirmed – reported TOI.
“The patient arrived in critical condition with paralysis affecting all four limbs. His GBS diagnosis was confirmed, and he was placed on ventilator support immediately,” said a senior hospital official. “Despite receiving intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, antibiotics, and plasmapheresis, his condition deteriorated, and he could not be saved.”
GBS Cases in Pune Surge to 149
Pune continues to witness a rise in GBS cases. As of Saturday, nine new cases were reported, taking the city’s total to 149. Among them, 82 cases have been recorded in newly merged municipal areas.
A health department report highlighted a significant increase in critically ill patients. Currently, 83 patients are being treated in intensive care units (up from 45 on Friday), while 28 patients require ventilator support (an increase from 18). Despite the rising numbers, 38 individuals have recovered and been discharged.
Doctors treating the deceased patient revealed that he had suffered from severe diarrhea for a week before being hospitalized. “Delayed medical attention often worsens GBS outcomes. Early intervention with appropriate treatment can improve recovery chances,” a health expert said.
WHO Steps in to Assist Pune’s Health Authorities
The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively supporting health authorities in Maharashtra to respond to the increasing GBS cases in Pune. WHO teams are working closely with Pune Municipal Corporation and state and district officials to track, test, and follow up on suspected and confirmed cases.
As part of their response strategy, WHO medical officers are assisting with:
- Active case search – Ensuring all suspected cases in affected areas are identified, diagnosed, and treated.
- Epidemiological analysis – Creating a ‘spot map’ to show the geographical distribution of cases and an ‘epidemic curve’ to analyze trends over time.
- Household monitoring – Validating field visits and monitoring responses by central, state, and local health officials.
- Medical workforce training – Empowering healthcare responders with technical support and resources to handle the outbreak efficiently.
“India’s health workforce is the backbone of disease containment and response—empowered, equipped, and protected, they stand as the first and strongest line of defense against outbreaks,” said Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India.
Read WHO’s Report on Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases in Pune here
Public Health Measures and Precautions
GBS is a rare neurological disorder, and its exact cause remains unclear. Pune Municipal Corporation is urging the public to follow preventive measures, including strict hand and food hygiene and safe drinking water practices.
While there is no cure for GBS, treatments like plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy can help speed up recovery and reduce symptoms. Patients experiencing muscle weakness, tingling sensations, or difficulty breathing are advised to seek medical attention immediately.
Punenow News is a responsible news channel and does not intend to cause panic. This article aims to only bring factual updates available in public domain. Readers are advised to verify the situation with healthcare authorities and refrain from believing unverified rumors.
