A seven-member central team deployed to assist Maharashtra authorities in handling the surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases is focusing on confirming diagnoses and tracing potential triggers behind the outbreak, according to sources familiar with the situation.
At least 100 suspected GBS cases have been reported in Maharashtra, primarily in Pune. The central team plans to review clinical data to verify diagnoses, as concerns persist that some cases may have been misdiagnosed. Additionally, the team is analyzing patient histories over the past few weeks to identify possible sources of infection.
Key Areas of Investigation
“The focus is on two primary aspects: first, distinguishing actual GBS cases from routine diarrhoea and gastroenteritis cases through a detailed clinical review; and second, tracing events from the past two to six weeks to determine the infection that triggered the syndrome,” said a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and even paralysis. The condition is often triggered by bacterial infections.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a surveillance case definition is a standardized set of criteria used to classify and track diseases for public health monitoring. This approach helps officials consistently identify and report cases across different regions.
Extensive Sample Collection Underway
On Tuesday, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl confirmed that the central team had begun collecting extensive samples for laboratory testing.
“Samples—including stool, blood, and even water—are being gathered for comprehensive analysis. Identifying the exact source will take time, as the infection typically precedes symptoms by two to six weeks. This makes it a complex process requiring careful examination of circumstantial evidence,” he explained.
He further noted that in 40% of GBS cases, an infection link is successfully established. Tests conducted by ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, found Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in four out of 21 stool samples from GBS patients, while norovirus was detected in some other samples. Both pathogens are known to trigger GBS but do not directly cause it. No other common GBS-linked infections have been identified in patients so far.
Expert Team & Public Health Response
The Union Health Ministry’s central team includes specialists from:
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru
- Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare
- ICMR-NIV, Pune
Three NIV experts were already assisting local authorities before the arrival of the central team.
The team is working closely with the Maharashtra health department to assess the situation and recommend public health measures.
Private practitioners in Pune have been instructed to report suspected GBS cases to the state, and a public advisory has been issued urging residents to:
✅ Boil water before drinking
✅ Consume fresh food
✅ Store cooked and raw food separately
First Suspected Death Reported in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has reported its first suspected GBS-related death in Solapur, while the total confirmed and suspected cases in Pune has surpassed 100.
