Maharashtra recently reported its initial death linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following the passing of a Chartered Accountant from Pune due to the uncommon condition. The individual, a resident of Pune’s DSK Vishwa area, initially suffered from diarrhoea and traveled to his hometown in Solapur. After feeling weak, he was admitted to a private hospital in Solapur, where he was diagnosed with GBS. Although his condition improved at first, he subsequently faced breathing difficulties and died, as stated by his family.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare immune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its nerves, resulting in abrupt numbness and muscle weakness. Initial symptoms can include diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, and nausea. In some instances, GBS manifests 1-3 weeks after an individual contracts an illness, such as dengue, chikungunya, or bacterial infections.
Pune is presently experiencing a surge in GBS cases, with 73 confirmed incidents, including 14 patients requiring ventilators. On Saturday, nine new suspected cases were reported. The Pune Municipal Corporation has enhanced its efforts to address the outbreak and has released public advisories urging residents to consume boiled water and avoid stale or open food. Authorities have also recommended seeking immediate medical help if sudden muscle weakness is experienced.
The state health department, in collaboration with the Union health ministry, has escalated its preventive measures. A central health team has been sent to Pune’s Sinhgad area, identified as the outbreak’s focal point. Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar highlighted that GBS has now been incorporated into the state’s health insurance scheme, Mahatma Phule Jan Aarogya Yojana, ensuring complimentary treatment. The financial coverage limit for private hospitals under this program has been raised to ₹1. 6 lakh, effectively doubling the previous cap.
Hospitals have been mandated not to levy unnecessary fees on patients, with strict penalties promised for those who violate this directive. Abitkar reassured the community that GBS is a treatable condition and encouraged the public not to be alarmed. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that GBS patients will receive free treatment at the Pune civic body’s Kamala Nehru Hospital.