Quick Update-GBS Cases in Pune-India Rises to 170, With 5 Dead And 61 in ICU. Cases Now Found in 5 Other States
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 06, 2025 2 months, 1 week, 6 hours, 44 minutes ago
Medical News: Rising GBS Cases Spark Alarm in Pune and Beyond
India is currently facing its worst-ever outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare but serious neurological disorder that can lead to paralysis and, in severe cases, death. As of now, 170 people in Pune alone have been affected, with five confirmed deaths. Alarmingly, cases have also emerged in five other states, signaling a wider health crisis.
Quick Update-GBS Cases in Pune-India Rises to 170, With 5 Dead And 61 in ICU. Cases
Now Found in 5 Other States
Authorities in Maharashtra have been scrambling to contain the outbreak, and initial findings suggest a strong link between contaminated water and the spread of the disease. After conducting tests on over 70 patients, the Maharashtra State Health Department claims to have identified the presence of Campylobacter jejuni (C-jejuni), a bacterium known to cause gastrointestinal infections and, in some cases, trigger GBS. Despite these findings, there are conflicting theories regarding the origin of the outbreak. While the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a possible connection to the Zika virus, some medical experts believe the outbreak may be linked to viral pathogens responsible for respiratory infections. This
Medical News report explores the unfolding crisis, its potential causes, and the measures being taken to prevent further spread.
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Breakdown of Cases and Severity
Out of the 170 cases, 52 patients have recovered and been discharged, while 61 remain in intensive care units (ICU). An additional 21 patients are in critical condition and require ventilator support. The sheer number of severe cases has put immense pressure on Pune’s hospitals, including Kamla Nehru Hospital, YCM Hospital, and Sassoon Hospital. These medical facilities have been at the forefront of treating patients since the first case was reported on January 9.
The affected individuals come from various parts of Pune, including the municipal area (31 cases), recently added villages (83 cases), Pimpri-Chinchwad (18 cases), Pune’s rural regions (18 cases), and other districts within Maharashtra (eight cases). However, the crisis is no longer confined to Maharashtra alone.
Reports indicate that cases have also surfaced in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Telangana, and Assam, raising concerns about the outbreak spreading further across the country with deaths already being reported in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam.
Theories and Investigations Continue
While the Maharashtra State Health Department maintains that contaminated water is the primary culprit, international health bodies and local medical researchers are not entirely convinced. The WHO has dispatched a team to Pune to assist with on-ground
fieldwork and provide technical support to healthcare professionals. Their investigation focuses on potential links between the outbreak and Zika virus infections, given past instances where Zika was associated with neurological complications, including GBS.
However, many Indian medical experts argue that neither Zika nor C-jejuni alone explains the severity and scale of this outbreak. Some believe that a new viral pathogen, possibly linked to respiratory infections, could be responsible. The situation remains complex, with researchers working against the clock to pinpoint the exact cause. Until a definitive answer is found, health officials continue to urge caution and proper hygiene practices.
Actions being Taken By Indian Health Authroties
Given the uncertainty surrounding the origins of the outbreak, Indian health authorities are emphasizing preventive measures. Residents in affected areas are advised to consume only properly boiled or filtered water, avoid eating raw or undercooked food, and maintain strict personal hygiene. Pune’s local government has also begun testing water sources in an attempt to identify contamination points and mitigate further risks.
In the meantime, hospitals remain on high alert, with additional resources being allocated to manage the increasing number of cases. Public health experts are urging state governments in other affected regions to conduct proactive screenings to identify potential cases early and prevent further escalation.
Conclusion
The unprecedented GBS outbreak in India has raised serious public health concerns, with experts still searching for definitive answers regarding its cause. While contaminated water containing C-jejuni is currently considered the primary suspect, alternative theories - such as links to Zika virus or unknown respiratory pathogens - are still being investigated. With cases spreading to multiple states, early intervention and preventive measures are crucial in controlling the situation. Authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely, but until conclusive findings emerge, the best defense remains public awareness, proper hygiene, and cautious consumption of food and water.
Media References:
https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/india-news-number-of-suspected-cases-of-gbs-rises-to-170-with-132-confirmed-cases-maharashtra-health-department-6621275.html
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/four-new-gbs-cases-10-more-patients-discharged/articleshow/117960267.cms
https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/public-health/pune-gbs-outbreak-waterborne-bacteria-identified-166-cases-reported/article69183922.ece
https://odia.news18.com/photogallery/trending/pune-gbs-virus-outbreak-news-maharashtra-reports-fourth-death-due-to-guillain-barre-syndrome-lpd-309767.html
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/assams-guwahati-reports-first-suspected-guillain-barre-syndrome-death-101738407324721.html
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/guillain-barr%C3%A9-syndrome-suspected-behind-three-deaths-in-west-bengal/article69156001.ece
For the latest on the GBS Outbreak in India, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/guillain-barre-syndrome-outbreak-in-maharashtra-india-spreads-to-west-bengal-and-telangana-while-water-tests-are-inconclusive
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/india-reports-67-cases-involved-in-a-mysterious-neurological-outbreak-of-guillain-barre-syndrome-with-19-currently-in-icu
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