Maharashtra Reports 167 Confirmed Cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome; Seven Deaths Suspected

 Pune (Maharashtra) [India], February 11: The Maharashtra Health Department has reported a total of 192 suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) across the state, with 167 cases confirmed. According to officials, seven deaths have been recorded, of which one has been confirmed as a GBS-related fatality, while six remain under investigation.

The distribution of cases spans multiple regions, including 39 cases from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 91 from newly incorporated villages within the PMC limits, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), 25 from Pune Rural, and 8 from other districts.

At present, 48 patients are receiving intensive care, with 21 requiring ventilator support. Meanwhile, 91 patients have been successfully treated and discharged. The state health authorities have ramped up surveillance efforts and are closely monitoring the situation to contain the outbreak.

In response to the crisis, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) took decisive action on February 6, sealing 30 private water supply plants in Nanded village, Dhayari, and surrounding areas along Sinhgad Road. These locations have been identified as the epicenter of the outbreak. According to PMC officials, inspections revealed that several plants were operating without proper authorization, while others were supplying water contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria. Additionally, some facilities failed to employ necessary disinfection and chlorination processes, rendering their water unsafe for consumption.

Amid growing concerns, the Union Health Minister convened a high-level meeting on February 3 with key health and medical officials from Maharashtra. The meeting focused on reviewing the state’s public health response, including patient testing, treatment protocols, and containment measures.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and, in severe cases, respiratory distress.

Authorities continue to investigate the outbreak’s source and are urging the public to adhere to hygiene and water safety guidelines. Further updates are expected as surveillance and containment efforts progress.