Major Outbreak in Pune: 73 Cases Guillain-Barre Syndrome Reported, 14 Put on Ventilators

Health authorities link outbreak to Campylobacter jejuni bacteria; Union Health Ministry deploys experts to aid local efforts.

January 25, 2025: PUNE: In a concerning health development, alerts from three hospitals in Pune regarding Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) have led to the identification of an unprecedented cluster of 73 cases. The number has nearly tripled since Monday, with 14 patients currently on ventilator support. Experts have attributed the outbreak to Campylobacter jejuni, a pathogenic bacteria known to trigger GBS.

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GBS, a rare but treatable autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the nervous system, typically sees one or two cases per month in major hospitals. However, this surge has raised alarms among health authorities, prompting immediate action.

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Health officials have initiated door-to-door surveys covering 7,200 homes within two days, raising awareness and looking for early signs of infection. Symptoms like limb numbness and prolonged diarrhea have been highlighted as critical indicators.

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The outbreak is believed to have started on January 9, with the first patient being an eight-year-old boy. Among the 73 reported cases, three patients are under five years old, 18 are between six and 15 years, and seven are above 60 years. Key affected areas include Kirkitwadi (14 cases), DSK Vishwa (8), Nanded City (7), and Khadakwasala (6).

The Central Surveillance Unit (CSU) of the Union Health Ministry has dispatched a team of doctors to assist in containment efforts. Sassoon Hospital, treating 16 patients, has increased its stock of necessary medications and injectable treatments.

Dr. Babita Kamalapurkar, Joint Director of the Epidemiology Department, confirmed that stool samples from multiple patients tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni, strengthening the link to this bacterial trigger. She emphasized the importance of public awareness in managing the situation.

Healthcare authorities are closely monitoring the situation, urging citizens to report symptoms immediately and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread.

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GBSOutbreak, PuneHealthCrisis, CampylobacterJejuni, PublicHealth, GuillainBarreSyndrome, AutoimmuneDisorder, IndiaHealthCrisis,