Pune Sees Surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome Cases, 26 Reported

Pune has witnessed a troubling rise in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) cases, with 26 confirmed instances reported recently. Health officials have raised alarms as multiple hospitals along Sinhagad Road, Dhayari, and nearby areas have reported several cases, prompting immediate investigations to identify the cause of this unusual surge.

What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an uncommon serious neurological disorder whereby the immune system in the body mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. This attack results in severe muscle weakness that, in more serious cases, may cause paralysis. Although its exact cause has not been confirmed, infections such as bacterial and viral are proven triggers of GBS. Individuals of all ages are affected; however, most are adults with men being on the majority.

 Common Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

GBS often begins with sudden weakness or tingling sensations in the legs, which may then spread to the arms and face. Other symptoms include:

Difficulty walking or balancing.

Neuropathic pain in the back and limbs.

Coordination issues.

Severe cases may lead to breathing difficulties, requiring a ventilator.

The syndrome can also affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to heart rate irregularities, blood pressure changes, and other complications.

Pune’s Unusual Rise in GBS Cases

In Pune, health authorities have noticed a significant spike in GBS cases among younger patients, particularly those between the ages of 12 and 30. The first reports came from several hospitals in the region, prompting health officials to send samples for testing to the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) to better understand the cause of the surge. Dr. Nina Borade, Pune’s Chief Health Officer, reassured the public that while the situation was being closely monitored, there was no immediate cause for panic. She emphasized that GBS is not an epidemic and that with appropriate treatment, most patients recover fully.

Experts Call for Thorough Investigation

The rise in cases has raised concerns among healthcare professionals. Dr. Sudhir Kothari, a senior neurologist at Poona Hospital, stated that while hospitals usually report one or two GBS cases per month, the sudden surge to 26 cases in a single week is highly unusual. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the cluster of cases.

Possible Causes and Treatment of GBS

GBS is often triggered by infections, particularly viral and bacterial ones. Common bacterial causes include Campylobacter jejuni, which is typically found in undercooked poultry. Viral infections, including Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and even the Zika virus, can also be linked to GBS onset. In rare cases, GBS has been associated with vaccinations like influenza or tetanus, but the risk of developing GBS from vaccines is extremely low compared to the benefits.

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and neurological exams, with additional tests like lumbar puncture or electromyography (EMG) to confirm the condition. Blood tests are generally not necessary for diagnosis.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for GBS often requires hospitalization for close monitoring, especially if severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or irregular heart rates, develop. The acute phase of GBS is typically treated with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to help reduce the immune system’s attack on the nerves. Most patients recover fully with proper medical care.

Local doctors remain cautiously optimistic. Dr. Borade confirmed that bacterial and viral infections often trigger GBS and are common in children and young adults. She reassured the public that with appropriate treatment, most patients recover fully, and no need for panic exists.