
New Delhi/Pune: At least 111 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been traced in Pune. While one patient died because of the disease, 17 others were on ventilator support, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, said today.
In view of the spurt in suspected and confirmed cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Pune, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today deputed a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Pune to support the State health authorities in instituting public health interventions and management.
Three experts from the National Institute for Virology (NIV), Pune, already supported the local authorities, and the central team has now been expanded.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome is not fully understood, but most cases follow an infection with a virus or bacteria. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is potentially life-threatening. GBS patients should be hospitalized so that they can be monitored closely. GBS is a rare condition in which a person’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. People of all ages can be affected, but it is more common in adults and males. Research indicates that individuals are significantly more prone to developing Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a result of infections like influenza, rather than from the vaccination intended to prevent such infections, specifically the flu vaccine. In rare instances, surgical procedures may also act as a catalyst for GBS.
Severe cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome are rare but can result in near-total paralysis and problems breathing, and WHO warns that Guillain-Barré Syndrome is potentially life-threatening. However, most people recover fully from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that the central team to Maharashtra comprises seven experts drawn from the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) Delhi, NIMHANS Bengaluru, Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare, and National Institute for Virology (NIV), Pune. Three experts from the National Institute for Virology (NIV), Pune, were already supporting the local authorities; the central team has now been expanded.
The team will work closely with the State Health Departments to take stock of the on-ground situation and recommend necessary public health interventions. The Union Health Ministry claimed it is taking proactive steps by monitoring the situation and coordinating with the State.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome symptoms generally persist for several weeks, with the majority of individuals experiencing recovery without enduring, significant neurological issues. The initial manifestations often involve weakness or tingling sensations, typically commencing in the legs and potentially extending to the arms and face. In certain cases, these symptoms may progress to paralysis affecting the legs, arms, or facial muscles. Approximately one-third of affected individuals may experience involvement of the chest muscles, which can complicate breathing.
In severe instances of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, the ability to speak and swallow may be compromised. Such cases are deemed life-threatening, necessitating treatment in intensive care units.
Most individuals achieve complete recovery, even from the most severe forms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, although some may continue to experience residual weakness. Despite optimal care, a small fraction of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome may succumb to complications, which can include paralysis of respiratory muscles, bloodstream infections, pulmonary embolisms, or cardiac arrest.
– global bihari bureau