Maharashtra Grapples with Rising GBS Cases, Death Toll Reaches to 8
By Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai : A concerning outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has hit Maharashtra, with the number of suspected patients crossing 200. The situation took a dire turn with the first reported death in Mumbai, bringing the total death toll to 8 in just a month.
On 23rd January 2025, a 53 Year old male resident of F North Ward, Mumbai, was admitted to Nair Hospital due to weakness in his leg. The patient was immediately put on a ventilator in the ICU as he was having difficulty breathing. He was diagnosed with GBS and admitted to Nair Hospital. The patient died on February 11. There were no symptoms found of diarrhea, but he had visited Pune before being admitted.
Pune has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, with 203 suspected and confirmed cases reported in the region. Of these, 176 patients are undergoing treatment, with 52 in ICU and 20 on ventilator support. The affected areas include Pune Municipal Corporation, rural areas, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and Pune Rural area, with 8 patients from other districts also seeking treatment.
GBS is a rare and neurodegenerative disease characterized by rapid-onset muscle weakness, often triggered by an autoimmune response. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and muscle weakness, which can progress to paralysis in severe cases.
In light of the escalating situation, the Centre has dispatched a seven-member team to Pune to assist in managing the outbreak. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare sent the team on January 27. Additionally, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the administration to make special arrangements in government hospitals for the treatment of GBS patients.
As the situation continues to unfold, health authorities are urging citizens to be vigilant and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist.
