The Maharashtra Health Department has reported 167 confirmed cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) across the state, with a total of 192 suspected cases identified so far. Seven deaths have been recorded, with one confirmed as GBS-related while six remain under investigation, officials said on Monday.
Outbreak and Affected Areas
According to health officials, the outbreak has impacted various regions, with cases distributed as follows:
- Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC): 39 cases
- Newly added villages in PMC: 91 cases
- Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC): 29 cases
- Pune Rural: 25 cases
- Other districts: 8 cases
Currently, 48 patients remain in Intensive Care Units (ICU), while 21 are on ventilators. Meanwhile, 91 patients have been successfully treated and discharged.
Government Response and Investigation
State health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have intensified surveillance in affected areas. Efforts have been focused on identifying potential sources of contamination.
On February 6, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) took action against 30 private water supply plants in Nanded village, Dhayari, and surrounding areas on Sinhgad Road in Pune city. These areas have been identified as the epicenter of the outbreak. The water supply plants were sealed after samples were found to be contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria and deemed unfit for drinking.
Authorities noted that some plants were operating without proper permissions, while others had failed to use disinfectants and chlorine to control contamination.
Central Government Intervention
The Union Health Minister held a high-level meeting on February 3 with key Maharashtra health officials to review the public health response. Discussions focused on testing, treatment, and containment measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Understanding Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. The exact cause of the outbreak in Maharashtra is still under investigation.
With state and central health authorities ramping up efforts, surveillance and public awareness campaigns are expected to continue in affected regions to prevent further spread of the disease.
Sources By Agencies
