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Mumbai, March 9: The Maharashtra Public Health Department confirmed on Saturday that a total of 12 deaths have been recorded due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the state. Among these, six deaths were officially confirmed as GBS-related, while six remain under investigation as suspected GBS fatalities. No new suspected cases of GBS were reported on Saturday, providing a slight relief amid the ongoing health crisis.
According to the latest update from the department, 197 individuals have been diagnosed with GBS, and 28 cases remain under suspicion. The affected patients are distributed across various regions, with 46 cases from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 95 from newly incorporated villages in the PMC area, 33 from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), 37 from Pune Rural, and 14 from other districts.
So far, 179 patients have been discharged after receiving treatment. However, 24 patients remain in intensive care units (ICUs), while 15 are currently on ventilator support.
Understanding GBS and Its Symptoms GBS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. It is typically characterized by muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis. The health department has highlighted common symptoms such as sudden weakness in the hands or legs, difficulty walking, paralysis, and prolonged episodes of diarrhea.
Precautionary Measures Advised In response to the outbreak, health authorities have urged the public to take precautionary steps to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of potential infections. The key recommendations include:
- Drinking only boiled or safe water to ensure quality.
- Consuming fresh and properly cooked food, while avoiding stale or partially cooked meat (chicken or mutton).
- Seeking immediate medical attention at government hospitals if any symptoms appear.
Additionally, officials have warned citizens against sending water samples for private testing. Instead, residents are encouraged to reach out to designated helplines for water quality assessments and other GBS-related information.
For inquiries and testing, residents can contact the Pune Municipal Corporation at 020-25501269 or 25506800, and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation at 7758933017.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official statements from the Maharashtra Public Health Department. Readers are advised to follow government health guidelines and consult medical professionals for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
