PUNE: Maharashtra’s health department on Sunday reported the first suspected death linked to the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in the state, centered in Pune. The suspected death occurred in Solapur, but further details were not disclosed. Meanwhile, Pune’s GBS cases have surged to 101, with 28 new infections confirmed, according to updated surveillance data.
Currently, 16 patients with this rare but treatable condition are on ventilator support. Among those affected, 19 are below the age of nine, while 23 cases fall in the 50–80 age group. A patient hospitalized on January 9 is believed to be the first case in the Pune cluster. Tests have detected the presence of Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in samples from some hospitalized patients, a common cause of GBS globally and responsible for severe infections.
Authorities Investigate Water Contamination
Officials are investigating water sources in Pune, particularly in areas with reported cases. Tests revealed high E. coli levels in a well near Khadakwasla Dam, Pune’s primary water reservoir. However, it remains unclear if the well is currently in use. Residents have been advised to boil water and thoroughly heat food before consumption.
The health department has surveyed 25,578 households to identify additional patients and trace the source of the outbreak. Typically, GBS cases do not exceed two per month, making this surge highly unusual.
Costly Treatment Raises Concerns
GBS occurs when the immune system, in response to a bacterial or viral infection, mistakenly attacks nerves, leading to weakness, paralysis, or other symptoms. While 80% of patients regain mobility within six months, full recovery may take up to a year or longer. The treatment, however, is expensive. Patients require a course of immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections, with each injection costing around ₹20,000. For instance, a 68-year-old patient admitted on January 16 needed 13 injections, totaling ₹2.6 lakh.
Three major hospitals in Pune raised alarms earlier this week after noting an unusual spike in GBS cases. By January 10, they had reported 26 new admissions, a number that increased to 73 by Friday.
Free Treatment Announced by Ajit Pawar
In response to the rising cases, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar announced free treatment for GBS patients. “The treatment is expensive, and we’ve decided to provide free care,” Pawar said. Patients from Pimpri-Chinchwad will be treated at YCM Hospital, while those in Pune Municipal Corporation areas will receive care at Kamla Nehru Hospital. Residents from rural areas will be treated at Sassoon Hospital in Pune.
