Pune Battles Guillain-Barré Outbreak: Cases Surge Past 100, Expert Team Deployed

Surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Cases in Pune:

The number of reported Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune has now surpassed 100, prompting the State Health Minister, Prakash Abitkar, to visit the city and investigate the cause behind this unusual outbreak. Abitkar visited several affected areas, including Dhayari, Sinhgad Road, Kirkatwadi, and Nanded Gaon, and met with both residents and patients hospitalized in local government and private facilities.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves, potentially causing symptoms like weakness, numbness, or even paralysis. As of January 27, 2025, the state health department reported 110 suspected cases, with one death and eight confirmed cases of GBS. Among the affected, 73 patients are male and 37 are female, with 13 patients currently on ventilators.

Government’s Response and Measures:

Minister Abitkar acknowledged that while GBS is not new, the recent surge is unusual, with nearly 80% of the cases emerging from a specific region. In response, the government has ensured that hospitals are well-stocked with IVIG injections, which are vital for GBS treatment. Furthermore, a nodal officer has been appointed to manage the supply chain of essential medications.

Abitkar outlined several proactive steps, including meetings between district health officials, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and private hospitals to ensure proper reporting of GBS cases. Over 65,000 households in affected areas have been surveyed to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal issues. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has collected water samples from various sources, including a community well in Nanded Gaon, where multiple homes receive water.

The health minister has ordered the cleaning of the community well and water tanks and emphasized the need for proper drainage systems. He pointed out that some recently merged areas in Pune lack adequate water treatment facilities, which might be contributing to the outbreak.

Public Health Advisory and Assurances:

To ease public concerns, Abitkar reassured residents that there is no need to panic. He encouraged people to drink only boiled water and focus on strengthening their immunity. He further assured the public that the recovery rate for GBS patients is promising, with some patients already able to speak and preparing to be discharged. The government is also taking steps to prevent the black-market sale of essential GBS medications.

Central Government Assistance:

In response to the rising number of GBS cases, the Central Government has dispatched a seven-member multidisciplinary team to assist Maharashtra. The team includes experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). Three experts from NIV Pune are already working on the ground, and the central team will now collaborate with state health departments to assess the situation and recommend further interventions.

Investigations and Findings:

As part of the investigation into the cause of the outbreak, 44 stool samples were tested for enteric viruses, with 14 samples testing positive for norovirus and five for Campylobacter. Blood samples from 59 patients were also tested, with all results coming back negative for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Additionally, 34 water samples were collected from different parts of the city, and seven were found to be contaminated.

The state health department has appealed to private healthcare providers to report any GBS cases to the relevant public health authorities. One suspected GBS-related death was reported from Solapur, with the deceased believed to have contracted the disease in Pune before returning to Solapur.

The Role of Contaminated Water

Abitkar inspected a well in Nanded village, which serves as a water source for surrounding areas. He noted that 80% of the GBS cases were concentrated around this well, leading authorities to believe that water contamination might be a significant contributing factor to the outbreak. He emphasized the need for concrete measures to ensure access to clean drinking water and stated that accountability would be established if contamination was found to be a direct cause of the illness.

He also pointed out that Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium commonly found in contaminated water, could be triggering the GBS cases, as it is known to cause gastrointestinal infections that weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to developing GBS.

Medical Facilities and Support

To support the growing number of GBS patients, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has set up a 45-bed facility at Kamla Nehru Hospital. The state has also ensured that medical resources are available and that private medical providers do not charge patients exorbitant rates. A Rapid Response Team (RRT) has been deployed to monitor and respond to the situation in the affected areas of Sinhgad Road.

PMC officials have been testing water from various wells in the affected regions, but no contamination has been detected so far. To ensure safe drinking water, the PMC has arranged for tanker trucks to deliver clean water to affected neighborhoods, including Kirkatwadi and Nanded village.

State and Central Collaboration

To help manage the rising cases of GBS, the Central Government has sent a specialized team to support Maharashtra’s efforts in monitoring and managing the outbreak. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is closely coordinating with the state, ensuring the implementation of necessary public health measures to address the situation and prevent further spread of the disease.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)