A woman from Telangana's Siddipet has been admitted to a private hospital in Hyderabad with symptoms indicative of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare but serious neurological disorder. Her condition is critical, and she has been placed on ventilator support, according to hospital sources.
This marks the first suspected case of GBS in Hyderabad, occurring at a time when suspected cases of the disorder are rising in other parts of the country, particularly in Maharashtra.
A statement from KIMS Hospital on Friday clarified that the patient had no travel history to Pune, Maharashtra, where a cluster of GBS cases has been reported. The consultant neurologist treating the patient stated:
"Despite the high prevalence of this disease in Pune, the patient has no history of travel to Pune, nor does anyone in her family have a history of this condition. The GBS occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own nervous system after fever or loose motions."
Maharashtra has reported 130 suspected cases of GBS, with three deaths possibly linked to the disorder. The majority of cases have been concentrated in Pune and surrounding areas. Health officials suspect that contaminated water sources may be a contributing factor.
The bacterium Campylobacter jejuni, commonly found in contaminated food and water, is believed to be behind the outbreak. This bacterium can trigger an autoimmune response, leading to GBS-related complications.
In another concerning case, a 17-year-old boy in Kolkata died due to septic shock and myocarditis, with doctors suspecting GBS as an underlying condition.
GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes sudden numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness, typically starting in the legs and spreading to the upper body. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure, necessitating ventilator support.
As cases continue to rise across India, health authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Further details regarding the Hyderabad case are awaited as medical professionals work to confirm the diagnosis and provide the necessary treatment.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)