Confirmed Cases and Suspected Deaths
The number of suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases in Maharashtra has climbed to 170, with 132 confirmed cases, according to the state’s Health Department. Officials have also reported five suspected deaths linked to the disease.
Breakdown of Affected Patients
Among the confirmed cases, 33 patients are from Pune Municipal Corporation (MC), 86 from newly added villages in the Pune MC area, 22 from Pimpri Chinchwad MC, 21 from Pune Rural, and 8 from other districts.
Current Patient Status
So far, 62 patients have recovered and been discharged. However, 61 patients remain in intensive care units (ICU), while 20 require ventilator support. Additionally, four new suspected cases were identified on 5th February.
Understanding Guillain-Barre Syndrome
GBS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. This leads to symptoms like muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.
High-Level Review Meeting
On 3rd February, Union Health Minister JP Nadda chaired a high-level video conference to assess the GBS outbreak in Maharashtra. The meeting included key state health officials, such as Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif, and Jal Shakti Minister Gulab Raghunath Rao Patil. Also present were Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav and senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
Government Response and Measures
As reported by economictimes, the Maharashtra government provided an update on the public health measures taken to control the outbreak. The Union Health Minister reviewed testing and treatment efforts and commended the state’s health officials for their swift response. He reassured the state of full support from the central government in managing the crisis.
Ensuring Future Prevention
Nadda emphasized the importance of coordination between the state and central governments to investigate the causes of the outbreak and prevent future recurrences.
Updated Case Count
As of 1st February, the total number of suspected GBS cases stands at 149, with 124 confirmed cases, according to the Maharashtra Health Department.