“Maharashtra health officials report a potential Guillain-Barré Syndrome death; water contamination investigations underway as cases spike in Pune.”
January 27, 2025: The Maharashtra health department has reported the first suspected death linked to the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak, which has primarily affected Pune. With cases now at 101 and a sharp rise in new infections, health authorities are intensifying efforts to trace the outbreak’s source and contain its spread.
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The suspected GBS death occurred in Solapur, according to a daily health bulletin, though further details were not disclosed. Among the infected, 16 patients are on ventilator support, with children under nine and elderly individuals between 50 and 80 being particularly affected.
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The first suspected case in Pune dates back to January 9, with hospital tests identifying the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in patient samples—a known cause of nearly a third of global GBS cases. Alarmingly, water sampling near Khadakwasla Dam, Pune’s main water source, revealed high E. coli levels in a nearby well. Authorities, however, clarified it is uncertain whether the well is in active use. Residents have been advised to boil water and heat food before consumption as a precautionary measure.
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So far, 25,578 homes have been surveyed in Pune as part of an intensified surveillance effort. GBS cases typically number around two per month, making this sudden surge unprecedented.
The Cost of GBS Treatment
GBS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s nerves following bacterial or viral infections, leading to weakness or paralysis. Although most patients recover fully within six months to a year, treatment is prohibitively expensive. A full course of immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections—crucial for recovery—can cost upwards of ₹2.6 lakh, as each injection is priced at ₹20,000.
Hospitals in Pune first raised an alarm on January 10, reporting an unusually high number of GBS cases. This prompted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to announce free treatment for patients. He stated, “After consulting local health authorities, free treatment will be provided at YCM Hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kamla Nehru Hospital in Pune, and Sassoon Hospital for rural residents.”
A Call for Vigilance
As investigations continue, health officials stress the importance of adhering to safety precautions and monitoring symptoms, particularly in areas reporting new cases.
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Guillain-Barré Syndrome, GBS outbreak Pune, Maharashtra health update, Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli contamination, Ajit Pawar, free GBS treatment, Pune public health, waterborne diseases, rare neurological disorders