Guillan-Barre Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder linked to contaminated food and water.
Pune, Maharashtra: People in Pune are currently dealing with an outbreak of Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after one person in Solapur district died after contracting the disease. Over 100 cases of GBS have reportedly been recorded in Pune. Doctors have warned residents to avoid consuming paneer, rice, and cheese and other food items that are prone to bacterial growth.
State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said that out of the 101 suspected patients, 73 patients had been diagnosed with GBS.
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Abitkar assured that the Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra Health Department were working collectively to prevent the increase in the number of patients with GB syndrome. The state health minister said that an expert team of doctors will be consulted regarding the outbreak.
What Is GBS?
A rare neurological disorder linked to contaminated food and water, Guillan-Barre Syndrome is a condition when the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system which connects the brain and the spinal cord to the rest of the body.
Symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and tingling are common. It usually begins with a tingling feeling in the fingers and toes, slowly progressing to the arms and face.
In severe cases, GBS may even lead to paralysis as walking, speaking, swallowing and even breathing can become extremely difficult.
If symptoms appear suddenly and seem to worsen quickly, you must see a doctor immediately.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), GBS is a rare but “serious post-infectious immune-mediated neuropathy” which results from autoimmune destruction of nerves in the peripheral nervous system.
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How To Protect Yourself?
While GBS cannot be prevented entirely, the chances of infections that cause it can definitely be minimised. Good hygiene practices including frequent hand washing and prevention of contaminated food or water can minimize the risk of infections. To reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, foods like rice and paneer should be refrigerated and consumed promptly.
Dairy products can harbour bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli if not stored properly. While cooked rice, when left at room temperature, can develop Bacillus cereus, which produces toxins causing food poisoning.
Avoid eating out. Take care of your immunity and the illness is best treated within two weeks.
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A review meeting is expected to be held in Pune with the Health Department and officials over the GBS outbreak.
Patients diagnosed with GB syndrome within the jurisdiction of Pune Municipal Corporation would be treated free of cost in the civic body-run hospital.
A team from the World Health Organization (WHO) accompanied by Pune Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Rajendra Bhosale also visited Nanded village in Haveli tehsil in Pune.
