Maharashtra records 2nd suspected GBS death
What's the story
Maharashtra has recorded its second suspected death due to the ongoing Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak. The latest victim is a 56-year-old woman from Pune's Kirkatwadi, Sinhagad Road, who was also suffering from oral cancer. She passed away on January 28 at Sassoon General Hospital. Currently, 127 suspected and confirmed GBS patients are being treated at several hospitals in the Pune district.
Outbreak epicenter
Pune and surrounding areas most affected by GBS outbreak
The GBS outbreak has mostly hit Pune and nearby areas, with 72 of the 127 suspected cases confirmed there. State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar recently hinted at contaminated water sources as the reason behind this health crisis. Investigations have found biological impurities in eight water sources, and of 121 stool samples tested, 21 were positive for Norovirus and five for Campylobacter virus.
Preventive measures
Health officials intensify surveillance, advise residents
In light of the outbreak, health officials have stepped up their efforts and carried out door-to-door surveillance of over 50,000 households. Residents are being advised to boil water and eat hygienic food as a precautionary measure. The Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, detected in some patients' samples, is known to cause roughly a third of all GBS cases globally and can cause severe infections leading to weakness or paralysis.
Disease overview
GBS: A rare but treatable condition
GBS is a rare but treatable condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks nerves following a bacterial or viral infection. According to doctors, "80% of affected patients regain the ability to walk unaided within six months of hospital discharge." However, some may take longer to recover fully. The treatment for GBS is also costly, requiring immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections priced at ₹20,000 each.
Government response
Maharashtra government announces free treatment for GBS patients
Considering the exorbitant treatment costs, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced free treatment for GBS patients in Pune district hospitals. "The treatment is expensive," Pawar said, adding free treatment will be available at designated hospitals for residents from different areas. Meanwhile, authorities are probing water contamination as a possible cause of the outbreak after finding high E. coli levels near Khadakwasla Dam, Pune's main water reservoir.