Pune: The rising cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra have raised serious health concerns, prompting the central government to take immediate action. A high-level committee of seven experts has been appointed to assist the state government in managing and controlling the outbreak. The committee will also monitor the state’s measures to combat this health crisis, sources reported.
Currently, Maharashtra has reported 101 cases of GBS, with 16 patients on ventilators. To address the situation, the health department has surveyed 25,578 households in affected areas. Of the reported cases, 68 are men and 33 are women. Pune district has emerged as the epicenter, with 62 cases in rural areas, 19 within the Pune Municipal Corporation limits, 14 under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and six from other districts. Tragically, a suspected case resulted in a death in Solapur.
In response, authorities in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and other districts have initiated emergency patient surveys. The Pune Municipal Corporation has surveyed 15,761 households, Pimpri-Chinchwad 3,719, and rural areas 7,098.
The health department has deployed rapid response teams to inspect high-risk areas. Samples of sewage and blood from patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology. Preliminary reports indicate infections linked to Campylobacter jejuni and Norovirus. Additionally, water samples from various parts of Pune have been sent to state public health laboratories for chemical and biological analysis.
GBS cases in Pune are particularly alarming, with half the patients in critical condition and receiving intensive care. Treatment costs average over ₹5 lakh per patient. While the state government’s Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana covers the treatment, the Pune Municipal Corporation has announced additional financial aid for underprivileged patients under the Urban Poor Scheme.
As the state grapples with this escalating health challenge, the coordinated efforts of central and state authorities aim to mitigate its impact and provide timely relief to affected patients.