Pune On High Alert As GBS Cases Surge

Pune- Maharashtra witnessed its first fatality due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) on Saturday, as a Pune-based Chartered Accountant succumbed to the disease. The deceased, residing in Pune's DSK Vishwa area, had initially presented with diarrhea and traveled to his native village in Solapur district.

His condition deteriorated, leading to admission to a private hospital in Solapur where he was diagnosed with GBS and moved to the ICU. Despite showing signs of improvement, including being moved out of the ICU, he developed breathing problems and passed away on Saturday, according to family members. Despite medical observation, the man could not move his limbs.

This death comes amidst an outbreak of GBS in Pune, with 73 reported cases and 14 patients currently on ventilators. Nine new suspected cases were identified on Saturday alone. The Pune Municipal Corporation is on high alert, implementing various measures to combat the situation.

GBS, a rare immunological nerve disorder, causes sudden weakness and muscle numbness due to the body's immune system attacking its own nerves. Symptoms, as per Pune civic body sources, include diarrhea, stomach ache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

While the exact cause of GBS remains unknown, a senior medical officer from the state health department highlighted that symptoms often follow respiratory or digestive tract infections. Bacterial or viral infections, recent vaccinations, surgery, and neuropathy can also be potential triggers.

The state health department has issued an advisory urging citizens to consume boiled water, avoid eating in open areas or consuming stale food, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden weakness in their limbs. The advisory also recommends consulting a family doctor or visiting the nearest government hospital.

Union Health Ministry has dispatched a team to Pune to investigate the outbreak, which has primarily affected individuals in the Sinhgad area.

Public Health Minister, Prakash Abitkar, acknowledged the rise in GBS cases in Pune and attributed it to water contamination. He emphasized that the disease is now covered under the Mahatma Phule Jan Aarogya Yojana, assuring free treatment and financial protection for patients. The scheme previously provided Rs 80,000 for treatment in private hospitals, but this amount has now been doubled to Rs 1.60 lakh. The Health Minister also assured that action will be taken against hospitals charging unnecessary bills for GBS treatment.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar echoed this sentiment, confirming free treatment for GBS patients at Pune's Kamala Nehru hospital, further alleviating the financial burden on those affected.