Pune News

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases Surge to 110 in Pune

Pune reported nine more suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) on Monday, bringing the city’s tally to 110. This neurological disorder, characterized by sudden muscle weakness and numbness, has affected 73 men and 37 women, with 13 patients requiring ventilator support.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

GBS is a rare condition often triggered by bacterial or viral infections that weaken the immune system. Symptoms include severe limb weakness, numbness, and loose motions.

Investigation Underway

Health authorities are investigating the outbreak, focusing on potential water contamination. 14 stool samples tested positive for norovirus, and five for campylobacter, a bacteria known to trigger GBS. Water samples from various sources have been tested, with seven showing signs of contamination.

First Suspected GBS Death Reported

A 40-year-old man suspected to have contracted GBS in Pune recently died in Solapur, marking the first suspected GBS-related death in Maharashtra.

Government Response

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has acknowledged the situation and assured that necessary measures are being taken. He emphasized the importance of clean drinking water and announced that GBS treatment is now covered under the Mahatma Phule Health Scheme, providing patients with up to Rs 2 lakh in financial assistance.

Focus on Prevention and Treatment

The government is implementing measures to ensure clean water supply and is working to establish comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent future outbreaks. Medical facilities in Pune have been strengthened to provide better care to GBS patients, and private hospitals have been instructed to avoid exorbitant charges.

Community Efforts

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has set up a 45-bed facility at Kamla Nehru Hospital to treat GBS patients. The civic body is providing clean drinking water through tankers to affected areas and has deployed the Rapid Response Team for surveillance.

Central Assistance

The Central government has dispatched a seven-member expert team to assist Maharashtra in managing the GBS outbreak. This revised variant aims for conciseness and clarity while maintaining the key information about the GBS outbreak in Pune.

Ziya Khan

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