Guillain-Barre Syndrome outbreak in Pune: Why is this rare nerve disorder on the rise?

Cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) are rising in Maharashtra’s Pune.

In just a week, the total number of the immunological nerve disorder has risen to 67, as per Pune Municipal Corporation. Of these cases, 13 patients are on ventilator support.

The development has prompted the state health department to set up a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to conduct a detailed survey of patients.

The samples of those affected have been sent to the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, for testing by the PMC health department.

But what’s behind this sudden rise? Let’s take a closer look.

Who are affected?

PMC Assistant Health Officer Dr Vaishali Jadhav on Thursday said, 43 men and 24 women were diagnosed with GBS.

As per media reports, the first suspected case of GBS was reported in a 64-year-old woman who passed away.

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Earlier officials revealed most of these cases were detected in the Sinhagad Road, Dhayari and Kirkatwadi area, with most suspected patients in the age group of 12 to 30 years.

Most of these patients are admitted to three major hospitals Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Nevale Hospital and Pune Hospital.

The patients complained of symptoms linked to contaminated food and water, which caused diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort.

Dr Padmanabh Keskar, Pune’s emergency medical expert, told News18 that some patients had to be admitted to the ICU for artificial respiration due to short-term loss of muscle strength and respiratory problems.

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What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

GBS is a rare immunological nerve disorder typically observed in individuals infected with viruses or bacteria.

It is a type of autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the patient targets the neurological system, causing nerves and muscles to stop working properly.

It was named after the French neurologists Georges Guillian and Jean Alexandre Barre, who discovered the rare condition in 1916.

Common symptoms of the infection are fever, cough, runny nose, loss of muscle strength, or gastrointestinal infection such as stomach pain, loose stools.

Most individuals with GBS have had symptoms of an infection at least six weeks prior to the onset of GBS symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The condition’s exact cause is still unknown, however, it frequently follows a major surgery, vaccine, or bacterial or viral disease. This unusual condition results from the immune system becoming hyperactive during such periods.

Also read: After China, HMPV cases in India, Hong Kong: Is the scare of another pandemic real?

What’s causing the sudden rise of GBS in Pune?

Health authorities suspect “Campylobacter jejuni” is to blame for the sudden rise in GBS cases in Pune.

Also known as campylobacteriosis, it is a spiral-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium commonly found in animal intestines, especially poultry, according to The Economic Times.

It also spreads through contaminated or undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products or untreated water.

Abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—sometimes bloody—are the usual symptoms of the C jejuni infection.

After exposure, symptoms typically start to show up two to five days later and linger for approximately a week.

Antibiotics like azithromycin or ciprofloxacin may be necessary for severe infections, dehydration, or problems, even though the majority of cases get cured on their own.

The link between C jejuni and post-infection complications, like GBS, is a serious concern. Some people may also develop reactive arthritis.

According to TheHealthSite.com, which quoted PMC’s water supply head, Nandkishore Jagtap, water from gram panchayat wells and the Khadakwasla dam is chlorinated before supply, but “C jejuni has shown chlorine resistance.”

PMC’s Additional Municipal Commissioner, Prithviraj BP, has said water samples have also been sent to NIV, and results are expected in a few days.

Also read: Mpox in India: What are the new dos and dont's issued by the Centre?

How serious is it?

Civic Health Department Chief Dr Nina Borade told PTI, “GBS is prevalent in both pediatric and young age groups. However, it will not lead to an epidemic or pandemic,” adding that with treatment, most people recover fully.

“We have constituted a committee of experts, including scientists from NIV and epidemiologists. A detailed surveillance of the patients will be conducted. There is no need for panic as of now,” she added.

While this is not a new disease and cases of GBS has been reported in India previously, Dr Keskar says the sudden spike in cases is certainly a cause of concern.

Also read: Human case of bird flu detected in India: Should we be worried?

Can it be prevented?

Yes.

Cooking meat properly, preventing cross-contamination, washing your hands frequently, and drinking clean water are all preventive measures.

Given that C jejuni is still a significant public health concern because of its low infectious dose and widespread prevalence, proper food handling and cleanliness are essential to limiting its spread.

One must seek medical help if they feel sudden weakness in the legs or arms, difficulty in walking or numbness, persistent diarrhoea, especially with discharge of blood.

With inputs from agencies