Pune reported six new suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) on Friday, bringing the total to 73. The state health department has formed a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to investigate the sudden surge in this immunological nerve disorder. According to a health department statement, 14 patients affected by GBS are currently on ventilator support.
Health department conducting surveys
The Maharashtra health department remains on alert following 24 reported cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), with most cases emerging from the Sinhgad Road area in Pune. Civic officials have intensified surveillance in the affected regions, with the Rapid Response Team (RRT) and Pune Municipal Corporation’s health department leading the efforts. So far, 7,215 houses have been surveyed, including 1,943 within Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 1,750 in Chinchwad Municipal Corporation limits, and 3,522 in the district’s rural areas.
A Rapid Response Team (RRT) was formed on Tuesday to monitor the rising Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases. The team includes Dr. Babasaheb Tandale from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Dr. Premchand Kambale, Joint Director of Health Services, Dr. Rajesh Karyekarte, Head of Microbiology at B J Medical College, Dr. Bhalchandra Pradhan, state epidemiologist, and other experts.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Cases in Pune: Civic Body Assures Control
Dr. Nina Borade, chief of the civic health department, has assured that the Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Pune will not escalate into an epidemic or pandemic. She explained that bacterial and viral infections typically trigger GBS by weakening the immune system.
Most suspected cases are in the 12 to 30 age group, with one 59-year-old patient currently under treatment. “GBS doesn’t require separate treatment. Supportive care, including antibiotics, IV fluids, and treatments for paralysis, is generally sufficient. The disease is self-limiting and recoverable,” Dr. Borade stated.
She also emphasized that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has the expertise and preparedness to manage these cases effectively.