The number of suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune has climbed to 130, with 73 confirmed, according to an official statement from the Public Health Department. Among these, 20 patients remain on ventilator support.
Breakdown of Confirmed Cases
Authorities have identified the confirmed cases across various regions:
- 25 cases in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits
- 74 cases from newly added villages under PMC
- 13 cases in Pimpri Chinchwad
- Nine cases in Pune Rural
- Nine cases from other districts
Investigations Underway to Identify the Cause
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is actively investigating the outbreak. On Tuesday, ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl confirmed that experts have collected stool and blood samples for testing at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. However, they have yet to identify a definitive cause behind the outbreak.
Dr. Bahl noted that in 40% of GBS cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Lab tests detected Campylobacter jejuni in four out of 21 stool samples, while some samples also tested positive for norovirus.
Central Team Deployed to Pune
In response to the crisis, the Union Health Ministry has dispatched a high-level, multi-disciplinary team to support state authorities. The team consists of seven experts from:
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi
- NIMHANS, Bengaluru
- Regional Office of Health & Family Welfare
- National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune
As reported by economictimes, three additional NIV experts are already assisting local health officials. The central team is working closely with state health authorities to assess the situation and implement necessary public health measures. Their primary goal is to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases.