Maharashtra Reports 167 Guillain-Barre Syndrome Cases, 7 Deaths Confirmed

Pune (The Uttam Hindu): The Maharashtra Health Department has reported 192 suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) across the state, with 167 cases confirmed. So far, seven deaths have been recorded, with one officially linked to GBS, while six remain under investigation.

The cases are spread across multiple regions, including 39 in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 91 in newly added villages of PMC, 29 in Pimpri Chinchwad, 25 in Pune Rural, and 8 from other districts. Currently, 48 patients are in the ICU, 21 are on ventilators, and 91 have been discharged after treatment.

Authorities have intensified surveillance efforts, closely monitoring affected areas. In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) sealed 30 private water supply plants in Nanded village, Dhayari and nearby areas, which have been identified as the outbreak's epicenter. Water samples collected from these plants were found contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria, with some plants operating without proper permissions or failing to use disinfectants.

The Union Health Minister recently held a high-level meeting with Maharashtra’s health officials to review the ongoing response, including testing and treatment efforts. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.