A rare neurological disorder, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, is spreading rapidly in Pune, India, with over 100 cases reported in the last three weeks. The disease can cause paralysis, breathing difficulties, and even death in severe cases, leaving health officials scrambling to determine its cause.
The World Health Organization describes GBS as a ‘rare condition in which a person’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.‘ Anyone can be affected by the disease, but it is more common in adults and males. While treatable, the disease can result in near-total paralysis, breathing problems, and even death in severe cases.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerve cells, causing demyelination and disrupting communication between the brain and muscles.
GBS can be triggered by infections such as Campylobacter jejuni or influenza.
Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs, which can progress to respiratory failure if left untreated.
Prompt medical attention is essential for effective management and recovery.
While the cause of the disease is not fully understood, most cases follow a viral or bacterial infection. The exact mechanism of how these infections trigger GBS is still being researched.
Viral infections are caused by viruses, which are tiny particles that replicate inside host cells.
Examples include influenza, HIV, and COVID-19.
Bacterial infections, on the other hand, are caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Symptoms of viral infections often include fever, fatigue, and respiratory issues, while bacterial infections may cause pus-filled sores, inflammation, and abscesses.
Treatment options vary depending on the type of infection.
India’s western city of Pune is battling rising cases of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with at least 111 identified cases just in the last three weeks, local media outlets reported on Tuesday. A 41-year-old chartered accountant was identified as the first casualty from the outbreak on Monday, a day after the man died from the rare but treatable infection.
State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said the deceased’s illness was a ‘confirmed GBS case,‘, in a briefing carried by The Times of India and Hindustan Times. Seventeen more patients were on life support. The state’s health department stressed it was prepared to implement preventive and control measures, saying that ‘citizens should not panic.‘ India‘s central Health Ministry deployed a seven-member team of experts to Pune city to help manage the rise in cases.
Experts suspect the cases may be caused by contaminated water. The local government bodies are conducting sample tests and surveys, local media reported. State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said that ‘GBS is not a communicable disease.‘ This disease happens when the immunity system of a person is weak.
Contaminated water is a significant public health concern worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2 billion people use a source of drinking-water contaminated with feces, and 844 million people lack access to basic drinking water services.
Contamination can occur through industrial waste, agricultural runoff, or human activity, leading to the presence of bacteria, viruses, and chemicals in water sources.
This can cause various health issues, including diarrhea, cholera, and even cancer.
In 2010, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that contaminated water was responsible for approximately 1.8 million deaths annually.
