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Kolkata, February 23 – West Bengal has reported its second suspected fatality from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) since January, with the death of 22-year-old Khairul Sheikh, a resident of Suti in Murshidabad district. Sheikh, a former para-medical student of state-run RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata, had recently traveled to Bihar’s Purnea for a job at a private hospital before falling ill.
According to reports, Sheikh returned to his ancestral home in Suti after experiencing health issues. As his condition worsened, with the lower portion of his body showing signs of paralysis, he was shifted to Kolkata and admitted to RG Kar Medical College earlier this month. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to the illness.
This marks the second reported death linked to GBS in West Bengal this year. On January 28, a minor student from Jagatdal, North 24 Parganas district, also reportedly succumbed to the syndrome. Additionally, there was an unconfirmed case of a 17-year-old from Amdanga, North 24 Parganas, who allegedly died after exhibiting symptoms of GBS. However, hospital authorities attributed his death to septic shock and myocarditis, with the possibility of GBS being an underlying factor.
The West Bengal Health Department had previously issued a statement clarifying that Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not a new condition and has been reported sporadically across India in the past. The syndrome is a rare but serious disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.
Concerns regarding GBS have been on the rise, with Maharashtra also witnessing a surge in cases. Recent reports indicate that over 100 people have been affected in Maharashtra, particularly in Pune. Of the 110 cases recorded, 88 were from Pune, 15 from Pimpri, and seven from other districts. Among the affected individuals, 73 were men and the remainder were women.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on available reports and official statements. While cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome have been reported, official confirmation on the exact causes of death in some instances is still awaited. Readers are encouraged to rely on verified medical sources and health authorities for further updates on the situation.
