A neurologist from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, has raised an alarm over the rising cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Pune, urging people to be extremely cautious about their food and water consumption. The city has recorded over 100 cases of GBS, with at least 17 patients currently on ventilators and one suspected fatality reported in Solapur. Seven patients have been discharged after treatment, but health authorities remain on high alert due to the rapid spike in cases.
Dr. Sehrawat has linked the outbreak to gastroenteritis, a condition often triggered by consuming contaminated food and water. She has emphasized that poor food hygiene, especially when eating out, increases the risk of bacterial and viral infections that could potentially lead to GBS, a rare yet treatable autoimmune disorder.
Contaminated Food and Water: The Silent Triggers of GBS
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is known to develop after infections, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that bacterial infections, particularly Campylobacter jejuni, can cause an immune response that mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
Dr. Sehrawat has warned that people should be extra careful about where and what they eat, highlighting specific high-risk foods that can harbor harmful bacteria if not handled or stored properly. According to her, consuming paneer, cheese, and rice from outside vendors can be particularly risky as these foods are prone to contamination if hygiene standards are not strictly followed.
Expert Advice on Preventing Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Given the alarming rise in cases, Dr. Sehrawat has issued the following guidelines to reduce the risk of GBS:
✔ Avoid eating out: Street food and improperly cooked meals from restaurants can harbor bacteria and viruses responsible for gastrointestinal infections.
✔ Only consume well-cooked foods: Ensure that meat, dairy products, and grains like rice are properly cooked to eliminate any harmful pathogens.
✔ Be cautious with dairy: Items such as paneer and cheese, especially when sourced from street vendors, can be contaminated with bacteria if not stored properly.
✔ Drink clean, filtered water: Waterborne infections are a leading cause of gastroenteritis. Always drink boiled or filtered water and avoid consuming beverages from unhygienic sources.
✔ Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly: Fresh produce can carry bacteria, pesticides, or other contaminants if not cleaned properly. Dr. Sehrawat advises soaking fruits and vegetables in saltwater or vinegar before consuming them.
✔ Boost immunity with vitamin C: Including citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens in your diet can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections leading to GBS.
✔ Practice proper hand hygiene: Washing hands frequently with soap and water is crucial to prevent the spread of infections that can trigger GBS symptoms.
Pune’s GBS Outbreak: What’s Next?
Health officials in Pune are closely monitoring the outbreak of GBS cases, with hospitals ramping up preparedness to treat critical patients. The city’s health department is also working on identifying the exact source of contamination and ensuring better sanitation measures.
While Guillain-Barre Syndrome is treatable, early diagnosis and prompt medical intervention are essential to prevent severe complications. Individuals experiencing numbness, weakness, tingling sensations, or difficulty in breathing should seek immediate medical attention.
Also Read: Pune Residents Affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome
With Pune witnessing an unprecedented rise in GBS cases, food safety and personal hygiene remain the first line of defense. Experts continue to stress that avoiding contaminated food and water, maintaining a balanced diet, and strengthening immunity can significantly reduce the risk of developing this rare neurological disorder.
Source: Times Now
