Maharashtra reports 225 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, 12 deaths

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 8 (ANI): Maharashtra has reported 225 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), with 197 confirmed and 28 under suspicion.
The outbreak has led to 12 fatalities, including six confirmed deaths and six suspected cases, according to state health authorities.
Of the reported cases, 179 patients have recovered and been discharged. However, 24 individuals remain in intensive care, with 15 requiring ventilator support.
The cases are spread across multiple regions, including Pune Municipal Corporation, recently added villages, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pune Rural, and other districts.
Health officials are closely monitoring the situation and have urged medical facilities to remain vigilant.
The Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis, often triggered by infections.
While most patients recover with timely medical intervention, severe cases may require prolonged hospitalisation and ventilatory support.
The state government has intensified surveillance efforts and is coordinating with hospitals to ensure adequate treatment and resources for affected patients.
Public health advisories have been issued to raise awareness about early symptoms and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
In response to the rising cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra, the Public Health Department has implemented several measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
A state-level rapid response team was immediately dispatched to the affected areas to assess the situation and coordinate mitigation efforts.
Authorities in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pune Rural have been directed to strengthen surveillance activities.
As part of the ongoing investigation, 7,262 water samples from different parts of the city have been sent to the Public Health Laboratory for chemical and biological analysis.
So far, contamination has been detected in 144 water sources, prompting necessary corrective actions.
Additionally, intensified health promotion activities have been initiated to raise public awareness.
The government has also appealed to private medical practitioners to report any suspected GBS cases to the respective public health authorities for timely intervention.
To enhance monitoring, house-to-house surveillance has been carried out across multiple regions, covering 89,699 households--46,534 in the Pune Municipal Corporation, 29,209 in the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and 13,956 in the Pune Rural.
Meanwhile, 82 serum samples have been sent to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru for Antiganglioside antibody testing, which is crucial for diagnosing and understanding the outbreak's underlying causes.
The state health department has assured the public that it is fully prepared to implement preventive and control measures and urged citizens not to panic.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely while coordinating with hospitals to ensure adequate medical care for affected patients.
In light of the ongoing Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Maharashtra, the state's Public Health Department has issued guidelines urging citizens to take preventive measures and maintain hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.
Authorities have advised residents to ensure water quality by drinking only boiled water and consuming fresh, clean food. To minimize health risks, the public has been warned against eating stale or partially cooked food, particularly chicken and mutton.
The health department has reassured citizens that the situation is under control and has urged people not to panic. Anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of GBS is encouraged to seek medical attention at government hospitals without delay.
Officials have also requested that citizens refrain from sending water samples for independent testing. Instead, individuals seeking water quality assessments or information related to GBS should contact the Pune Municipal Corporation's designated helplines.
The state government continues to monitor the situation closely, reinforcing surveillance and medical response measures to contain the outbreak and ensure public safety. (ANI)