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73 Pune Residents Affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome; 14 Require Ventilators

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A surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases has surfaced in three local hospitals, revealing 73 confirmed patients by Friday. Specialists trace the outbreak to Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium frequently associated with triggering nerve-damaging autoimmune responses.

Unusual Spike in Cases

Healthcare workers originally noted 26 GBS cases earlier in the week, only to witness that figure nearly triple within four days. While no deaths have been linked to the outbreak, the spike is considered atypical—medical centers normally treat one or two GBS cases each month.

Intensive Medical Support

In total, 14 individuals have been placed on ventilators due to severe symptoms. With public health at stake, authorities ramped up door-to-door inspections, covering around 7,200 households in just two days. These community-wide checks aim to identify any additional infections and offer guidance on prevention and treatment.

Potential Bacterial Catalyst

Clinical tests from various hospitals indicate traces of Campylobacter jejuni in stool samples, pointing toward a bacterial infection that may have kickstarted this spate of GBS.

Young Patients and Origin of the Cluster

Alarm grew when doctors diagnosed an infant and a toddler with GBS among new cases. Records show that the cluster seems to have begun on January 9, with an eight-year-old boy believed to be the first reported patient.

Government Intervention and Preparedness

Concerned by the sudden escalation, the Union Health Ministry’s Central Surveillance Unit (CSU) dispatched a team of medical professionals to reinforce local healthcare facilities. Sassoon Hospital, which currently has 16 GBS patients under its care, is among the institutions securing extra medication and injectables to deal with the influx.

Demographics and Localities Affected

Out of the 73 diagnosed patients:

  • 44 hail from rural parts of Pune
  • 11 are located within Pune city
  • 15 reside in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation area

Several clusters were identified in Kirkitwadi (14 cases), DSK Vishwa (8), Nanded city (7), and Khadakwasala (6). By age group, 3 patients are under five years old, 18 fall between six and 15, and 7 are over 60.

Warning Signs

Dr. Babita Kamalapurkar, Joint Director of the Epidemiology Department, reported that field teams are educating the public about prolonged diarrhea and numbness in the limbs as early signals of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Prompt medical attention upon noticing these symptoms can play a crucial role in patient outcomes.

Source: The Times of India

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its peripheral nerves. This can result in symptoms ranging from mild weakness to complete paralysis, which may be life-threatening if it affects breathing muscles or heart rate.

Common Symptoms:

  • Tingling or numbness starting in the legs and spreading upward
  • Weakness in muscles, leading to difficulty walking or standing
  • Severe cases may involve paralysis of respiratory muscles

Causes:

The exact cause of GBS is unclear, but it is often triggered by infections. Campylobacter jejuni, a common bacterial pathogen, is frequently linked to the onset of GBS. Other triggers include viral infections such as influenza or cytomegalovirus.

Treatment Options:

While there is no definitive cure, treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasmapheresis can help manage symptoms and accelerate recovery. Physical therapy is essential during rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.

Prognosis:

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most individuals recover fully, though some may experience lingering weakness or nerve damage. Timely medical intervention plays a critical role in preventing severe complications.

Understanding the early signs of Guillain-Barré Syndrome is vital for seeking immediate treatment and improving recovery outcomes.

Ankit C
Ankit C
Ankit is an avid traveler, tech-savvy individual, and dedicated news enthusiast who explores new places, embraces technology, and stays informed.

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