The Maharashtra Health Department has reported 205 'suspected' cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the state, with 177 cases confirmed and eight fatalities recorded.
According to state health authorities, four of the eight reported deaths have been directly attributed to GBS, while the remaining four are considered suspected cases.
Of the total cases, 41 patients hail from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 94 from newly incorporated villages in the PMC area, 29 from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, 32 from Pune Rural, and eight from other districts.
A health department official stated, “A total of 205 suspected patients have been identified to date. Of these, 177 have been diagnosed with GBS. A total of eight deaths have occurred, four of which were confirmed as GBS-related, while the remaining four are under investigation. Currently, 113 patients have been discharged, 50 are in intensive care units (ICU), and 20 remain on ventilators.”
The health department further noted that two new suspected cases were reported on Thursday, while five others had been recorded in preceding days.
Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and seek medical assistance if they experience symptoms such as sudden weakness in the limbs, difficulty in walking, paralysis, or prolonged diarrhoea.
Health authorities have intensified surveillance measures and are closely monitoring the affected areas. Efforts to identify potential sources of contamination have led to stringent action against private water supply plants suspected of contributing to the outbreak.
Also read: Mumbai reports first Guillain Barre Syndrome death
On 6 February, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) sealed 30 private water supply plants in Nanded village, Dhayari, and the adjoining areas along Sinhgad Road in Pune City. These locations have been identified as the epicentre of the outbreak.
An official from the municipal corporation stated that water samples collected from these plants were found unfit for consumption. Some lacked operational permits, while others contained Escherichia coli bacteria, raising concerns over waterborne transmission. Furthermore, several facilities were not adhering to proper disinfection and chlorination protocols.
The Union Health Minister convened a high-level meeting on 3 February with key officials from Maharashtra's health and medical sectors to assess the situation. Discussions focused on ongoing public health measures, including patient testing and treatment strategies.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. The condition can cause muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis. Medical experts continue to investigate the precise cause of the recent outbreak.
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