In Pune, 101 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been reported, with 16 patients currently on ventilators. A CA from Solapur has died due to the condition. A team has been sent to Pune for investigation. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has announced free treatment for patients. GBS treatment is expensive, with the cost of a single injection being ₹20,000.

Highlights:

A chartered accountant in Pune died due to GBS disease.

Pune has reported 101 cases of GBS, with 16 patients on ventilators.

Free treatment announced for GBS patients.

Pune: Panic has erupted in Maharashtra’s Pune due to the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) disease. A chartered accountant (CA) has recently lost his life due to the condition. A few days ago, he had visited his village in Solapur district, where he started experiencing diarrhea. As his weakness worsened, he sought treatment at a private hospital in Solapur, where GBS was diagnosed. On Saturday, after showing signs of stability, he was moved out of the ICU. However, shortly afterward, he experienced difficulty breathing and passed away. Earlier, a 64-year-old woman also succumbed to the disease while undergoing treatment at the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital in the Pimpri Postgraduate Institute.

So far, 101 cases of this disease have been reported in Pune, with 16 patients on ventilators. The central government has sent a team to Pune for investigation. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said on Sunday that GBS patients will receive free treatment at Kamla Nehru Hospital under the Pune Municipal Corporation.

Campylobacter jejuni bacteria detected during investigation

Sixteen patients currently on ventilator support are suffering from a rare but treatable condition like GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome). Among them, around 19 individuals with symptoms are under the age of nine, while 23 cases fall within the 50-80 age group. A patient admitted to the hospital on January 9 is suspected to be the first GBS case within the Pune cluster.

Tests have revealed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in some biological samples taken from hospitalized patients. Globally, C. jejuni is responsible for nearly one-third of GBS cases and is also associated with the most severe infections. Authorities are collecting water samples from Pune, particularly in areas where cases have been reported.

A well near Pune’s main reservoir, Khadakwasla Dam, was found to have high levels of the bacteria E. coli during testing. However, officials stated it is unclear whether the well was in use. Residents have been advised to boil water and reheat food before consumption.

Health department officials stated that by Sunday, a survey of 25,578 households had been conducted. The aim was to identify more patients within the community and determine the reasons behind the rise in GBS cases, which typically do not exceed two in a month.

Ajit Pawar said – Treatment will be free
Speaking about the rising cases in Pune, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced, “The treatment is expensive. After discussions with district administration and municipal corporation officials, we have decided to provide free treatment. Residents of Pimpri-Chinchwad will be treated at YCM Hospital, while patients from Pune Municipal Corporation areas will be treated at Kamla Nehru Hospital. For citizens from rural areas, free treatment will be provided at Pune’s Sassoon Hospital.”

Ajit Pawar said, “Treatment will be free.”

Speaking about the rising cases in Pune, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced, “Treatment is expensive. After discussions with district administration and municipal corporation officials, we have decided to provide free treatment. People from Pimpri-Chinchwad will be treated at YCM Hospital, while patients from Pune Municipal Corporation areas will be treated at Kamla Nehru Hospital. For rural citizens, free treatment will be provided at Sassoon Hospital in Pune.”

Immune System Attacks Nerves

In the case of GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome), the body’s immune system attacks its own nerves. This leads to sudden numbness, muscle weakness, or paralysis. According to sources from the Pune civic body, symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. It can be caused by contaminated water or food. The health department has advised people to drink boiled water and avoid eating food left in the open or stale food. A senior medical officer mentioned that recent vaccinations, surgeries, and neuropathy can trigger this syndrome.