The number of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune has crossed the 100 mark, prompting state health minister Prakash Abitkar to visit the city to investigate the source of the outbreak. During his visit, Abitkar met with residents of affected areas, including Dhayari, Sinhgad Road, Kirkatwadi and Nanded Gaon. He also visited patients hospitalised in government and private facilities in the southern parts of Pune district.
GBS is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis. As of 27 January, according to the state health department, 110 suspected cases of GBS and one death have been reported. Of these, eight have been confirmed as GBS cases.
Among the 110 cases, 88 patients are from Pune Municipal Corporation, 15 from Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and seven from other districts. Additionally, 73 of the patients are men and 37 are women. Thirteen patients are currently on ventilators.
Addressing a press conference, Abitkar stated, “GBS is not a new health issue and has been reported routinely in hospitals over the years. However, the current surge is unusual, with nearly 80 per cent of the cases emerging from a specific region in the district. We have ensured government hospitals are stocked with IVIG injections, crucial for treatment and have appointed a nodal officer to manage the supply chain.”
The health minister further highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor and address the situation. “The Pune Municipal Corporation, along with district health officials, has held meetings with private hospitals to ensure every case is reported. Over 65,000 families in the affected areas have been surveyed, with teams investigating if residents have experienced gastrointestinal issues recently. The Food and Drug Administration has collected water samples for testing, particularly from a community well in Nanded Gaon, which serves as the primary water source for several homes in the region.”
Abitkar also instructed the PMC to clean the well and community water tanks and to ensure proper drainage pipelines. He noted that many of the newly merged areas in Pune lack water treatment facilities, which could be contributing to the issue.
The health minister reassured residents, stating, “There is no need to panic. People should drink only boiled water and focus on maintaining their immunity. The discharge and recovery rate for GBS patients is promising, with some already able to speak and preparing for discharge. Additionally, we are taking strict action to prevent the black marketing of essential injections and drugs needed to treat GBS.”
Meanwhile, a high-level multidisciplinary team has been dispatched by the Central Government to assist Maharashtra in managing the surge. The team includes seven experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences and the National Institute of Virology (NIV), along with representatives from the Divisional Office of Health and Family Welfare in Pune.
Three experts from NIV Pune are already aiding local authorities and the central team will now work closely with state health departments to assess the situation on the ground and recommend public health measures. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is monitoring the situation and coordinating with the state to implement necessary interventions.
Forty-four stool samples were sent to the NIV Pune, where all were tested for the enteric virus panel. Fourteen samples tested positive for the norovirus, while five were positive for Campylobacter.
A total of 59 blood samples were sent to the NIV, and all tested negative for Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
Additionally, 34 water samples from various parts of the city were sent to the Public Health Laboratory for chemical and biological analysis, with samples from seven water sources found to be contaminated.