Maharashtra has witnessed a startling increase in the number of suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) at 130 and confirmed at 73, according to says Maharashtra Public Health Department. The Indian Council of Medical Research is still investigating the outbreak and hasn’t yet found the cause. In the meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry has sent a high-level team of experts to assess the situation and guide preventive measures.
Status of GBS Cases Currently in Maharashtra
As of January 30, 2024, the Maharashtra scenario as far as GBS cases is concerned is as follows:
- Suspected Total cases: 130
- Confirmed cases: 73
- Patients with ventilation support: 20
- Suspected Deaths: 2
Health authorities have kept a close watch on the situation and are working to stop further spread and give all medical interventions to the affected.
GBS Outbreak in Maharashtra ICMR Investigation: No Definite Cause Identified
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has now initiated a deep investigation to see what has been causing the disease. Teams have collect stool and blood samples of the affected individual, which have sent for testing at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, says that in general, only 40% of GBS cases have a well-defined cause. Campylobacter jejuni bacteria found in 4 out of 21 stool samples, and some cases of norovirus have also been detect. But these pathogens cannot be said to be linked with the outbreak so far.
GBS Outbreak in Maharashtra Government Response: Expert Team Deployed
Now recognizing the depth of the incident, the Ministry of Health from the Union, has sent its seven-member Multi-disciplinary group to Pune as well. Specialist members from,
- National Centre for Disease Control NCDC, New Delhi
- The National Institute for Mental Health & Neurosciences NIMHANS, Karnataka
- Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare State
- National Institute of Virology NIV, Pune.
Three NIV experts are already providing support to the local authorities. The team has been closely collaborating with the Health Department of Maharashtra to evaluate the outbreak, study data, and make recommendations regarding public health interventions.
Possible Contamination Source- Water
One of the primary concerns under investigation is whether contaminated water has played a role in the outbreak. Water samples from various locations in Pune collect and sent to the Public Health Laboratory for chemical and biological analysis.
Private doctors have been directed to immediately report new cases of GBS to the public health authority. A senior health official also told citizens that there was no cause for panic and that the state health department was fully prepared to implement preventive and control measures.
Understanding GBS
GBS is an uncommon but dangerous autoimmune disease, wherein the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves and brings about weakness of muscles, even paralysis. This syndrome mostly arises after an infection caused by a bacterium or virus.
GBS Outbreak in Maharashtra: Symptoms of GBS
- Muscle weakness in hands and legs
- Weakness in walking
- Loss of reflexes
- Protracted diarrhea before the start of the symptoms
- Numbness or prickling sensations
- Respiratory difficulties in serious cases
How GBS Advances
According to Dr. Praveen Gupta, principal director & chief of neurology at Fortis Hospital, the antibodies that attack the peripheral nerves during infections in the body happen by mistake; it causes ascending paralysis that begins in the legs and advances upwards. Severer cases even lead to the failure of breathing and may demand ventilatory support.
GBS Outbreak in Maharashtra: Precautions Advised by Specialists
Though the cause is still under research, health practitioners advise on measures to minimize contact with the supposed contaminants as indicated below:
- Ensure only boiled and purified water is consumes.
- Eat fresh food. Food should also be well-cooked to ensure that no harmful bacteria are involved.
- Raw foods should not be stored together with cooked foods so as to eliminate cross-contamination.
- Hygiene and sanitation within homes and the public should be ensured.
- Report any unusual symptoms to healthcare providers promptly for early diagnosis and treatment.
FAQs
1. What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
GBS is a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and in extreme cases, paralysis.
2. Is GBS contagious?
No, GBS is not contagious. It is an autoimmune reaction often triggered by a preceding bacterial or viral infection.
3. What triggers GBS, and how is it associate with infections?
GBS is often associated with infections such as Campylobacter jejuni, influenza, or other respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. However, in most cases, the cause is not identified.
4. How is GBS diagnose and treat?
Diagnosis of GBS is determined through neurological exam, nerve conduction studies, and spinal fluid analysis. However, treatment always starts with a supportive approach using either plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin, in a majority of severe cases ventilatory support is offered to the patients.
5. How to safeguard?
- Hygienic practice
- Drinking good safe water.
- Cooked proper food
- Purify a stream or use a good pure borehole
Conclusion
The rise in GBS cases in Maharashtra has prompted urgent action from health authorities. While the exact cause remains unknown, experts are working tirelessly to investigate the outbreak and implement preventive measures. The government and medical institutions remain committed to controlling the spread and ensuring public safety.
With further investigations, being mindful and adhering to the advice of experts will prevent further cases from arising. Stay updated with verified information and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.
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