Maharashtra: The number of suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare nerve disorder, has climbed to 130 in Pune and surrounding districts, according to health department officials. So far, two suspected deaths—one from Pune and another from Solapur—have been linked to the condition. Health officials confirmed that of the 130 suspected cases, 73 have been diagnosed as confirmed GBS cases. The affected patients include 25 from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) areas, 74 from newly-added villages under PMC, 13 from Pimpri-Chinchwad, nine from Pune rural, and nine from other districts.

Government Response: Ajit Pawar Orders Strict Measures.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who presided over a District Planning Committee meeting in Pune, directed civic and district health officials to take strict action against hospitals overcharging GBS patients. He also emphasized ensuring an adequate supply of essential medicines for the disease.GBS is a rare condition that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness, often leading to paralysis in severe cases. Health experts suspect that the outbreak in Pune and nearby areas is linked to contaminated water sources. The bacterial infection Campylobacter jejuni, found in contaminated food and water, is believed to be the primary cause.

Union Health Ministry Deploys High-Level Expert Team

In response to the outbreak, the Union Health Ministry has deployed a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Pune to assist state authorities in containing the spread. The team comprises seven experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Delhi, NIMHANS Bengaluru, the Regional Office of Health & Family Welfare, and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune.Additionally, three experts from NIV Pune were already assisting local authorities. The team is closely monitoring the situation and recommending necessary public health interventions. Water samples from different areas have been sent for chemical and biological analysis at the Public Health Laboratory.Authorities have urged private medical practitioners to report any suspected GBS cases to public health officials to ensure timely intervention. Citizens have been advised not to panic, as the health department is actively managing the outbreak.Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.