The cases of Gullain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves of the person have been rising in India. In Maharashtra, over 200 suspected cases have been reported, while Andhra Pradesh has witnessed two fatalities. Meanwhile, Karnataka has been put on high alert due to the rising number of diarrhoeal cases across the state. The health authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation and have stepped up surveillance in the affected regions.
Gullain-Barré Syndrome Live Updates
Updated as of February 17, 2025, at 12:30 PM
More Than 200 Cases In Maharashtra
According to Maharashtra's Public Health Department, there have been 181 confirmed cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in the state, along with 27 suspected cases being closely monitored. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme has reported eight fatalities, with four confirmed to be GBS-related and four others still under investigation.
A recent investigation by the Pune district health department has identified Campylobacter Jejuni (C. Jejuni) bacteria as a primary cause of the GBS outbreak in Pune. Laboratory tests on stool samples from the affected area revealed that 25 samples were infected with C. Jejuni, while 11 others tested positive for Norovirus.
Updated as of February 17, 2025, at 11:05 PM
GBS Outbreak In Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has reported two fatalities due to GBS in the past 10 days. According to Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, a 45-year-old woman named Kamalamma passed away at Government General Hospital in Guntur on 16th February, while a 10-year-old boy succumbed to the disease at a private medical college in Srikakulam 10 days ago. Currently, there are 17 reported cases of GBS in the state.
Updated as of February 16, 2025, at 6:05 PM
Karnataka On High Alert For GBS Cases
Karnataka is currently on high alert for GBS following a surge in diarrhoeal cases across the state. Health authorities have observed that several patients experiencing severe diarrhoea are exhibiting symptoms indicative of GBS. In response, the government has directed medical facilities to maintain heightened vigilance and to provide immediate treatment to suspected GBS cases. Public health campaigns are being initiated to educate the populace about the link between diarrhoea and GBS, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention to prevent complications and reduce fatalities.
Updated as of February 11, 2025, at 5:15 PM
Death Toll Rises To 7
A 37-year-old driver from Pune succumbed to GBS, raising the regional death toll to 7. According to a Pune civic health official, the victim initially sought medical attention at a local hospital after experiencing weakness in his lower limbs. The current hospitalisation status shows 48 patients in the ICU, with 21 requiring ventilator support. On a positive note, 91 patients have made a recovery and been discharged.
Updated as of February 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM
Water Supply Plants Sealed
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) cracked down on private water supply plants in areas identified as the epicenter of the outbreak, sealing 30 facilities in Nanded village, Dhayari, and nearby localities along Sinhgad Road. The action was taken over the past two days, a PMC official confirmed on February 6.
Updated as of February 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM
Union Minister Chairs Meeting
The Union Health Minister JP Nadda chaired a high-level meeting with Maharashtra's top health officials to discuss the state's response to the Guillain-Barre Syndrome outbreak. The meeting focused on reviewing public health measures, including testing and treatment protocols for GBS patients, as well as strategies to contain the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.
Updated as of January 28, 2025, at 1:35 PM
Health Ministry Sends Team To Pune
With the spike in GBS cases in Pune, the union health ministry sent a high-level multidisciplinary team to address the rising cases of GBS. The team will support the State health authorities in managing the situation and implementing public health interventions to address the rising GBS cases.
The team includes seven experts, comprising professionals from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, the Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare, and the National Institute for Virology (NIV) in Pune.
Updated as of January 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM
First Case Of Death Reported In Pune
The first case of death due to GBS was reported in Solapur on January 27. The 41-year-old chartered accountant worked in Pune and had returned to his hometown after experiencing severe gastrointestinal distress. His family informed him that he had a bout of diarrhoea on January 9 and was taking medications for it. After feeling better with medication, he left with his family for their hometown. However, the relief was short-lived as he began to feel weak again on January 17. He was admitted to the hospital a day later. The deceased was in the ICU for nearly six days before being shifted to the general ward. However, his condition deteriorated and he died on January 25.
Dr Sanjeev Thakur, Dean of Government Medical College, Solapur, said that they had sent the samples of the patients, including Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) to the NIV, to help find the cause of the death.
Updated as of January 28, 2025, at 12:40 PM
Cases In Pune Rise To 111
The total number of GBS cases in Pune has risen to 111 in a duration of less than three weeks since the first outbreak. Among the 101 patients documented by the Pune health department, 56 are in the general ward and 41 are in the ICU. Out of these patients, 25 are receiving oxygen support, while 16 are on ventilators. Four patients have been discharged from care.
Prakash Abitkar, the state health minister, said that at least 17 patients are on ventilator support, while seven have been discharged.
The state health department issued a warning, advising residents to consume boiled water and refrain from eating in open spaces or consuming spoiled food. If anyone experiences sudden weakness in their arms or legs, consult a family doctor or visit the nearest government hospital.
Updated as of January 28, 2025, at 12:30 PM
26 Cases of GBS Diagnosed In Pune in 1 Week
The three major city hospitals, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Navale Hospital, and Poona Hospital, alerted the health authorities after diagnosing 26 people with GBS in one single week. Out of the 26 cases reported, 11 are among children aged 8-15 years, with several experiencing significant limb weakness or paralysis after episodes of diarrhoea or stomach infections. A pediatric neurologist observed that many of these children had consumed food from outside before showing symptoms.
Updated as of January 28, 2025, at 11:45 PM
What Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
"Guillain-Barré Syndrome, commonly known as GBS, is an autoimmune neurological disease. This implies that the body's immune system attacks its peripheral nervous system. It could result in weakness, tingling, or paralysis of some limbs," said Dr Sheetal Goyal, Consultant Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
The lower part of the body begins with gradual movement upwards towards the body's upper extremities. This disorder usually follows some other infections, such as a respiratory infection or a gastrointestinal illness. It is an autoimmune disorder and no one knows the cause precisely. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential in managing the effect of the disease, thus reducing the risk of complications that may occur over a long time.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), The exact cause is not completely understood, however, most instances occur after an infection from a virus or bacteria, prompting the immune system to mistakenly attack the body. One of the most prevalent risk factors for GBS is infection with the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni, responsible for gastroenteritis and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Also Read: Bacteria and Norovirus Linked to Guillain-Barre Syndrome Cases in Pune: Who Is Most at Risk?
Types and Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) begins in the lower body parts and presents with blurred vision and poor coordination, while Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS) is commonly reported in Asia. The other types include Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN) and Acute Motor Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN).
"Some patients complain of tinnitus, muscle weakness, gait disturbances, tachycardia, and in the most severe cases, breathing difficulty. Since the severity and progression of symptoms vary, prompt medical attention is necessary," added Dr Goyal.
How to Treat Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
"Treatment for GBS focuses on reducing symptoms, supporting bodily functions, and accelerating recovery. Common treatments include Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) to limit immune system damage. Hospitalisation is often necessary for monitoring breathing and heart function," said Dr Goyal.
In severe cases, patients may require a ventilator. They need proper rehabilitation with physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Most patients recover after effective care, but some may have residual weakness or fatigue. Early treatment significantly improves the outcome.
Also Read: Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis & More
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How common is GBS in India?
GBS is not very common in India. Incidence has been estimated at 1–2 cases per 100,000 population per year. However, since it is associated with dengue and chikungunya infections, regional variations may exist.
2. How Many People Have GBS?
The prevalence of GBS is about 1–2 per 1,00,000 persons per year worldwide. More common in men and the elderly, again with variability depending on the region.
3. Can People Recover Fully from GBS?
Most patients who experience GBS recover completely within six months to a year. However, some individuals may experience residual weakness fatigue or possible nerve damage in serious cases.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]