Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Pune Sees Surge in Suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases, Total Reaches 73 - Pune reported six new suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) on Friday, January 24, 2025, pushing the total number of cases to 73, according to health officials.

Three hospitals in Pune have noted an unusually high number of GBS cases, a rare yet treatable autoimmune condition, over the past week. On Monday, the city had 26 cases, but the number nearly tripled to 73 by Friday, as per a report from The Times of India (TOI). Fortunately, no deaths linked to GBS have been reported. Typically, large hospitals admit one or two GBS cases per month, highlighting the unusual nature of this outbreak.

Out of the total cases, 14 patients are currently on ventilator support. In response, Maharashtra's health authorities have initiated door-to-door surveys to identify potential cases and raise awareness about the disorder. Over two days, health workers surveyed approximately 7,200 households.

What's Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Experts describe Guillain-Barré Syndrome as an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves. The condition is often triggered by Campylobacter jejuni, a type of pathogenic bacteria. Stool sample analyses from multiple hospitals have confirmed the presence of this bacterium, strengthening its link to the outbreak.

Concerns have heightened after recent cases involved an infant and a toddler. Doctors believe the cluster began on January 9, with the first patient being an eight-year-old boy.

Government and Healthcare Response: The Union Health Ministry’s Central Surveillance Unit (CSU) has taken note of the rising GBS cases in Pune and plans to dispatch a team of specialists to support local health authorities.

Hospitals, including Sassoon General Hospital, are ensuring adequate supplies of essential medications and injectables needed to treat the condition. Sassoon Hospital is currently caring for 16 GBS patients.

Distribution of Cases

Of the 73 reported cases, 44 are from Pune’s rural areas, 11 from the Pune Municipal Corporation area, and 15 from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation region. Kirkitwadi reported the highest number of cases (14), followed by DSK Vishwa (8), Nanded City (7), and Khadakwasala (6). The affected individuals include three children under five years old, 18 children between the ages of six and 15, and seven people aged above 60.