In a major cause for concern, Guillain-Barr̩ Syndrome (GBS) Рa condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves Рhas claimed the first life in Maharashtra and left as many as 111 patients infected by the disease in Pune.
Of the total patients, the condition of 17 is serious, and they are on ventilators in various hospitals in Pune.
Alarmed by the development, the Centre has deputed a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Maharashtra to support the state in public health interventions and the management of GBS cases in Pune.
According to an update released by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of the Public Health Department, Mumbai, as many as 111 patients with suspected GBS are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Pune.
Giving details of the first GBS death in Maharashtra, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of the Public Health Department, Mumbai, said that a patient – who had contracted GBS while in Pune – died at a private hospital in Solapur, where he had gone to visit his native village.
Official sources said that the deceased showed symptoms of cold, cough, and breathing difficulties before he was admitted to a private hospital in Solapur on January 18. He was first admitted to the ICU ward but was later shifted to a regular room after showing improvement.
However, his health started deteriorating. He began to have difficulty breathing and later passed away in the hospital’s ICU ward, where he had been readmitted. The deceased also experienced paralysis in his limbs before his death.
Of the total 111 patients with suspected GBS, 26 are undergoing treatment at Pune’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, while 26 are being treated at the state-run Sassoon Hospital. Nine patients have been admitted to Kashibai Hospital, while seven patients are being treated at Sahyadri Super-Speciality Hospital. The remaining patients have been admitted to 21 other hospitals across Pune.
In a medical advisory released by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of the Public Health Department, it is explained that GBS is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness, or paralysis.
Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. In its most serious form, GBS is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital.
GBS is rare, and the exact cause is not known.