Mumbai’s First Guillain-Barré Syndrome Death Pushes Maharashtra’s Toll to 8
Maharashtra has reported its first death from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Mumbai on Wednesday, bringing the total death toll in the state to eight. The 53-year-old man was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Nair Hospital on January 26 after experiencing severe breathing problems. He had returned from Pune 16 days prior to his hospitalization. Despite receiving critical care, including being placed on a ventilator, the patient succumbed to the illness.
The first case of GBS in Mumbai was confirmed just days earlier, on February 7, when a 64-year-old woman from Andheri East was diagnosed with the condition. She had a history of fever and diarrhoea, followed by ascending paralysis, which is typical in GBS cases. Her condition is still being monitored, with more updates expected. The number of confirmed and suspected cases of GBS in Maharashtra’s Pune region continues to grow, with the latest reports indicating 197 cases, including five new ones. Of these, 172 have been confirmed as GBS. The majority of cases are concentrated in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) area, with 40 patients from the city and 92 from newly added villages within the PMC limits. Additional cases have been reported from surrounding areas like Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune Rural. GBS is an autoimmune disorder that can cause paralysis, often following a viral infection.
It typically begins with weakness in the lower limbs and can escalate to total paralysis in severe cases. While the disorder affects both genders, it is more common in adults and males. There is currently no cure for GBS, but treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy can help manage symptoms and speed up recovery. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that GBS is neither contagious nor inherited, though its exact cause remains uncertain. To address the growing number of GBS cases, a high-level meeting chaired by Union Health Minister JP Nadda was held earlier this month. The meeting focused on strengthening testing and treatment strategies to manage the rising cases in Maharashtra, with particular attention to the Pune region.
As the state continues to combat the Guillain-Barré Syndrome outbreak, health authorities have urged the public to be vigilant about symptoms, especially after experiencing viral infections. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to managing the disorder and preventing severe outcomes. With the increasing number of GBS cases, local and state health departments are intensifying their efforts to monitor and control the spread of the condition, ensuring better healthcare access and support for affected individuals.
