A 60-year-old woman, Kamalamma from Alasandalapalli village in Prakasam district, became the first recorded fatality due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) at Govt General Hospital (GGH), Guntur. She had been on a ventilator for several days before passing away on Sunday. Currently, doctors at GGH are treating four other GBS patients, while 12 more have been admitted to different hospitals across the state.
Health Minister Satya Kumar assured that the state has adequate stocks of immunoglobulin to provide the best possible care for GBS patients.
GBS Cases and Trends at GGH, Guntur
Dr. NV Sundarachary, principal of Guntur Medical College (GMC) and senior neuro-physician, emphasized that GBS cases at GGH are not a new phenomenon and there is no reason for panic. He noted that GGH has been treating GBS cases for years, with most patients recovering and being discharged.
- Since March 2024, GGH has admitted 115 GBS patients.
- About 65 required immunoglobulin therapy, while others managed with simpler treatments.
- October 2024 saw the highest number of cases (17), followed by September (13). Cases dropped to 10 in December and 11 in January 2025.
- So far, seven cases have been reported in February 2025.
Treatment and Recovery
Dr. Sundarachary outlined treatment options, including:
- Plasmapheresis – Removes harmful antibodies from the blood.
- IVIG Therapy – Reduces inflammation and modulates the immune system.
- Supportive Care – Physical, occupational, and respiratory therapy to aid recovery.
- Pain Management – Medications and alternative therapies to ease discomfort.
He reassured that most GBS patients recover fully, though some may experience lingering weakness or numbness. Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes.
Potential GBS Outbreak in Karnataka
Health authorities are on high alert in Yellapur and Haliyal taluks of Uttara Kannada after several pilgrims returning from Pandharapur, Maharashtra, fell ill and showed diarrhoeal symptoms—possible indicators of GBS.
- 18 patients from Yellapur and 15 from Haliyal have been hospitalized.
- The outbreak in Maharashtra may be linked to Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, a known GBS trigger.
- Nimhans has recorded 90 GBS cases in the past six months, with 12–20 cases reported monthly.
State Response and Precautionary Measures
As reported by economictimes, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao acknowledged GBS cases but denied evidence of an outbreak. Meanwhile, Principal Secretary of Health, Harsh Gupta, confirmed that precautionary steps are underway to control any potential spread.
- Increased vigilance due to rising diarrhoeal cases.
- National video conference held to assess Karnataka’s preparedness.
- Nimhans notified that GBS patients can seek treatment reimbursement under Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further escalation of GBS cases.