The ongoing Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Pune has sent shockwaves through the community, with over 100 confirmed cases and a rising death toll. At least one death has been officially linked to the condition, with additional reports suggesting that several others may have died due to the severity of their symptoms.
Patients are experiencing rapidly progressing symptoms, including paralysis and, in extreme cases, coma. Doctors are raising alarms about foodborne triggers, particularly Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium known to cause gastroenteritis and contribute to GBS. With many patients needing ventilator support, health experts are emphasizing the importance of food safety and water sanitation to curb the outbreak.
Team Visits RO Centers and Precautionary Measures:
In response to the rising number of cases, health authorities in Pune have launched an extensive investigation into the sources of contamination, especially focusing on waterborne bacteria. A specialized team, including experts from the local health department and AIIMS, has conducted visits to local Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment centres to assess the quality and safety of drinking water in the affected regions.
Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, a neurologist from AIIMS, warns the public about the risks associated with eating out and consuming contaminated food and water. “Be cautious of food and water that could harbour harmful bacteria. Avoid eating outside, especially from unverified sources, and ensure water is properly filtered before drinking,” she advised.
Precautions to Take:
Avoid Eating Out: Prefer home-cooked meals or food from trusted sources. Eating from unregulated places may increase the risk of foodborne illnesses that can trigger GBS.
Ensure Proper Water Filtration: Drink only properly filtered and treated water, ensuring RO systems meet safety standards.
Maintain Food Hygiene: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Ensure meat is cooked to the appropriate temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.
Boost Immunity: Include vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, berries, and green leafy vegetables in your diet to strengthen your immune system.
Seek Early Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms like tingling, muscle weakness, or severe gastrointestinal issues, consult a doctor immediately. Early intervention can help reduce the risk of paralysis and other complications associated with GBS.
Mid-Day Story: A Woman’s Battle with Coma Due to GBS
One of the most harrowing stories to emerge from the GBS outbreak is that of Anjali Nadkarni (63), a senior citizen who slipped into a coma after contracting the condition in 2023. In an emotional recount of her journey, Nadkarni shared how, after a seemingly routine visit to the market, she started feeling exhausted and attributed it to climbing three flights of stairs. However, by the next morning, she found herself unable to balance and knew something was terribly wrong.
Nadkarni’s family rushed her to Nanavati Hospital in Vile Parle West, where initial tests failed to identify the cause of her condition. It wasn’t until her oxygen levels dropped dangerously low that doctors discovered she was suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome. Nadkarni was placed in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) and slipped into a coma for 14 days.
During this time, she received plasma therapy and 36 bottles of blood. Slowly, her treatment began showing results. Nadkarni regained consciousness, and after weeks of intensive care and physiotherapy, she was eventually discharged.
Nadkarni, now fully recovered, stresses the importance of a positive mindset in the face of such a life-threatening illness. “If a senior citizen like me can fully recover, so can anyone else,” she said, urging others not to give in to fear. She also called for more awareness around GBS, noting that the media often sensationalizes such conditions without highlighting the possibility of a full recovery.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Rapidly Progressing Threat
According to Dr Deepak Baid at Nulife hospital, Ghatkopar, “GBS is a rare auto immune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its peripheral nerves. This condition usually follows an infection, such as gastroenteritis caused by Campylobacter jejuni, and can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis. The disease can progress rapidly, with the most severe weakness occurring within two weeks of the onset of symptoms. If left untreated, GBS can be life-threatening, leading to complications such as respiratory failure and dysautonomia, a condition that affects heart rate and blood pressure.
What to Watch For:
Muscle and Chest Weakness
Tingling Sensations (Especially in the feet and legs)
Difficulty Moving or Breathing
Difficulty Swallowing and Speaking
Complications of GBS:
Cardiac Arrhythmias (Irregular heartbeats)
Fluctuating Blood Pressure
Severe Digestive Issues
Urinary Retention (Bladder control problems)
The public is urged to stay vigilant and adhere to these precautions to help prevent further cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Pune. The rising death toll serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
