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Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak in Pune: Latest Developments and Health Alerts
The Public Health Department in Pune has reported a significant rise in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with two deaths and 16 new suspected cases. As of January 29, 2025, the total number of GBS cases stands at 127, an increase from 111 reported on January 28.
Breakdown of Affected Areas:
Approximately 23 patients are from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) area, while 73 cases are from newly integrated villages within PMC limits. Another 13 patients are from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), with nine patients each from Pune rural areas and other districts in Maharashtra. About 20 patients require ventilators, as per data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
Suspected Cases in Sangli
Surprisingly, six suspected cases of GBS have emerged in Sangli district, prompting concern. However, District Civil Surgeon, Sangli, Vikramsinh Kadam, assured, “If all the cases were from one place, then only we can say it is an outbreak. We are checking the background and whether they traveled.” The six patients were admitted to various private hospitals in Sangli over the past six days.
Areas affected in Sangli include Chintamani Nagar, Mardawadi, Gudmudshingi, rural Sangli, and the Kolhapur border area. The Sangli Municipal Corporation’s health department has heightened its alert, conducting surveys in the city. Approximately 400 houses were surveyed in Chintamani Nagar over two days, but no additional cases were identified.
Investigation and Testing
To identify the cause of the outbreak, the Health Department has conducted extensive testing. A total of 121 stool samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. Among these, 21 were positive for Norovirus, and five for Campylobacter. One cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample tested positive for Epstein–Barr virus. All 200 blood samples tested negative for Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya.
In terms of environmental factors, 144 water samples from various parts of the city were analyzed. Eight were found to be contaminated, prompting authorities to take immediate action.
House-to-House Surveillance
A State-level rapid response team has launched house-to-house surveillance activities. As of the latest update, surveys have been conducted in 34,177 houses in Pune MC, 7,852 in PCMC, and 10,254 in Pune rural areas, covering a total of 52,283 houses.
These efforts aim to identify potential sources of contamination and implement measures to prevent further spread of GBS. The public is advised to maintain hygiene, especially during the current phase of the outbreak.
Published – January 29, 2025 10:30 pm IST
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
Given the ongoing situation, it’s crucial to stay informed and follow the guidance provided by health authorities. This proactive approach can help mitigate the risk of the GBS outbreak spreading.
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