Cases Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome Rises To 73 In Pune. All About The Rare Neurological Disorder
As per the officials, the number of Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases in Pune has risen to 73, which includes 47 men and 26 women
Six new cases of rare Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) were reported in Pune as the total tally of cases rose to 73 till Friday, nearly trebling in four days. In the wake of the outbreak, three Pune hospitals sent alerts to the local authorities.
“The total number of GBS cases increased to 73, comprising 47 and 26 women. Of these, 14 are on ventilator support," an official from the state health department said to news agency PTI.
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There have been no reports of GBS-induced death till now. In the wake of the outbreak, the health department is making efforts to find the cause of the sudden increase in cases.
A Rapid Response Team (RRT) has been formed after the 24 suspected cases were reported earlier this week.
In the past week, 14 patients with GBS have been on ventilator support. The health authorities have started door-to-door surveys in Maharashtra. They are looking for any signs of infection in the people and also creating awareness about the disease.
As per the officials, municipal and district health workers carried out the surveys in around 7,200 homes in two days.
The Central Surveillance Unit (CSU) of the Union Health Ministry has also taken cognisance of the GBS outbreak in Pune and is sending a team of doctors to assist the local authorities.
The injectables and medicines are being stocked up by the healthcare facilities to combat the outbreak.
What Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the peripheral nervous system is attacked by the immune system of the body, as per the World Health Organisation. The syndrome is seen in people who get infected with bacteria or viruses.
The syndrome affects the nerves which control muscle movement and those that have touch, temperature and pain sensations which leads to loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms, muscle weakness and difficulties in breathing or swallowing.
French neurologists Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barre first discovered this syndrome in 1916.
The exact cause behind the disease is not clear, however, it often occurs after a viral or bacterial infection, vaccination, or major surgery. The immune system becomes hyperactive during such periods which leads to this rare condition.
Pune’s emergency medical expert Dr Padmanabh Keskar said that cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome have been reported earlier in India. “We occasionally see cases of this disease in our hospitals. However, a sudden spike in cases is certainly a cause for concern," he said.
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