GBS outbreak: Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases in Pune under investigation, says DG ICMR

As Maharashtra registers over 100 cases of GuillainBarre Syndrome GBS the Director General Indian Council of Medical Research Dr Rajiv Bahl said that the cases are under investigation as a team of experts have collected various samples reported news agency ANISamples of stool and blood of those infected are being tested at the NIV Pune lab but yet to get any definite leads on the cause behind the spread Dr Bahl said reported ANIHe said that the cause or link of GBS is found only in 40 per cent of cases The Campylobacter jejunum bacteria were found in four stool samples that were collected from 21 GBS patients in Pune which were tested by the National Institute for Virology NIV Pune while norovirus was found in someWe received some had diarrhoea but according to the medical literature norovirus doesnt lead to GBS So this is still under investigation cause is yet not identified ICMR DG said reported ANIThe Union Health Ministry has deputed a highlevel multidisciplinary team to Pune to aid state authorities in instituting interventions and managing the spurt in suspected and confirmed cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome GBS in the cityThe central team sent to Maharashtra comprises seven experts from the National Centre for Disease Control NCDC Delhi NIMHANS Bengaluru Regional Office of Health amp Family Welfare and National Institute for Virology NIV Pune Three experts from NIV Pune were already supporting the local authoritiesThe team is working closely with the state health departments and taking stock of the onground situation to recommend necessary public health interventions The central team has been tasked with monitoring the situation and coordinating with the stateThe water samples from different parts of the city have been sent for chemical and biological analysis to the Public Health Laboratory An appeal has been made to the private medical practitioners to notify any GBS patient to the respective public health authorities Citizens should not panic the states health department is prepared to implement preventive and control measures sources told ANIMaharashtra reported its first suspected death linked to GBS in Solapur while the number of cases of the immunological nerve disorder in Pune has crossed over 100 reported ANIThe expert team from the research and other departments are closely working at ground level and monitoring the situation according to a statement from MoHFW reported ANIWhat are the symptoms of Gullain Barre SyndromeGBS can develop sudden weakness in the hands or legsparalysis People could have trouble while walking or weakness with sudden onset and diarrhoea for sustained periodsGuidance has also been issued for citizens to ensure maintaining the water quality such as drinking boiled water and food should be fresh and clean The infection can be avoided also by not keeping cooked and uncooked food items togetherDescribing the diseases progression Dr Praveen Gupta Principal Director amp Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital said GBS occurs when antibodies created to fight bacterial or viral infections like Campylobacter jejuni or respiratory infections crossreact with the peripheral nerves This leads to ascending paralysis starting in the legs and moving upward In severe cases patients may lose the ability to breathe due to thoracic muscle weakness and require ventilatory support reported ANITreatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin IVIG and plasma exchange have revolutionised outcomes but timely intervention remains criticalRecognizing the symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment According to Dr Bhargavi Ramanujam Senior Consultant in Neurology at PSRI Hospital GBS typically starts with weakness in the legs spreading upward This may be accompanied by slight sensory loss difficulty passing urine or fluctuating blood pressure Weakness in facial muscles can cause drooling further signalling the onset of this serious condition reported ANIWith inputs from ANI