The number of GBS-infected patients in Pune and in other cities is continuously increasing. Keeping this in mind, the BMC has also reserved 50 ICU beds for patients in its hospitals. Additionally, if the number of infected patients rises and ICU beds become insufficient, the BMC health department has stated that 100 ICU beds will also be made available at Seven Hills Hospital for treatment. The treatment for patients will be covered under Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.
As of January 28, the total number of GBS cases in the state has reached 111. Meanwhile, Saifee Hospital in Mumbai has reported treating four GBS patients in January. A central government team has arrived to assess the current situation and provide recommendations to the health department for disease prevention and management.
BMC has also gone into alert mode, reserving 50 ICU beds across its medical colleges for GBS patients. If the number of cases increases, Seven Hills Hospital will have 100 additional ICU beds. However, BMC clarified that there are currently no active GBS cases in Mumbai. The corporation also stated that the number of GBS patients last year was minimal. BMC assured that there is an adequate stock of medicines required for GBS treatment, ensuring that there will be no issues in providing medical care. At present, 13 GBS patients in the state are on ventilators, and one patient has succumbed to the disease.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
It is noteworthy that multiple cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been reported in Pune recently. GBS is an immune system disorder that causes muscle weakness and is a form of polyneuropathy, which can become severe within days or weeks. In serious cases, it affects the nerves controlling breathing, leading to paralysis and even death.
Doctors feel that contaminated water triggered the latest GBS cases in Pune. Although, GBS is a rare disease, but it is not contagious. The disease occurs due to low immunity.
Maharashtra’s first suspected GBS-related death has been reported from Solapur. According to the Maharashtra health department, 111 cases of GBS have been detected in Pune, with 80 cases concentrated within a five-kilometer radius.
