Hey Pune folks, brace yourselves for some concerning news! Three major hospitals in the city have reported a total of 26 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in just one week. The individuals affected range from children to adults, with most cases coming from areas like Sinhagad Road, Dhayari, and nearby localities. The spike in cases is believed to be linked to contaminated food or water causing diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort.
Doctors at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Navale Hospital, and Poona Hospital are currently treating these cases. Samples of various bodily fluids have been sent to the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further investigation. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health department has also been alerted about the situation.
For those who may not be familiar, Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare neurological condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves in response to an infection. Symptoms can include severe limb weakness, paralysis, and respiratory distress. While the condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, most patients do recover with proper intervention.
What’s particularly alarming is that out of the 26 cases, 11 involve children aged 8 to 15 years, who seem to be the most severely affected. Many of these children experienced weakness or paralysis in their limbs after suffering from diarrhoea or stomach infections, with a majority reporting consuming food from outside.
One paediatric neurologist shared details of two cases that are particularly worrisome. An eight-year-old boy started with a fever and drooping eyelids, but within 24 hours, he developed slurred speech and breathing difficulties, needing ventilator support. A 12-year-old girl from Dhayari experienced acute limb weakness and severe respiratory distress within a day of consuming outside food.
Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital is currently managing 16 of the total cases, while the rest are being treated at Navale Hospital and Poona Hospital. The sudden surge in GBS cases has raised concerns about hygiene and food safety in the affected areas. The PMC health department is expected to kickstart sanitation and public awareness campaigns to prevent further cases.
Doctors are urging residents to be cautious by avoiding outside food and maintaining proper hygiene, especially during outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Stay safe and stay informed, Pune!
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