Pune: The surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases in Maharashtra has prompted the central government to take immediate action. Recognizing the severity of the situation, a high-level committee of seven medical experts has been appointed to assist the state government.

The committee will provide guidance on managing and controlling the spread of the disease and monitor the measures being implemented by state authorities.

According to the latest figures, the state has reported 101 GBS cases, with 16 patients requiring ventilator support. Surveys have been conducted across 25,578 households in affected regions to track potential cases. Of the total cases, 68 are male and 33 are female.

Rural Pune has the highest concentration of cases (62), followed by Pune Municipal Corporation areas (19), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation areas (14), and six cases from other districts. Tragically, a suspected GBS patient in Solapur succumbed to the illness.

In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and district administration have intensified efforts to identify and treat GBS cases.

Health department teams have been deployed to locate individuals displaying symptoms of the syndrome. Survey efforts have been comprehensive, with 15,761 households covered in Pune city, 3,719 in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and 7,098 in rural areas.

Laboratory Findings Highlight Bacterial and Viral Infections

The health department’s Rapid Response Team has been actively inspecting regions with a higher prevalence of GBS cases. Stool and blood samples from affected patients have been analyzed at the National Institute of Virology.

The preliminary findings identified infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni and norovirus. Meanwhile, water samples from various areas in Pune have been sent to the State Public Health Laboratory for chemical and biological testing, though results are still awaited.

Escalating Costs of Treatment and Financial Aid

The increasing number of GBS cases has placed significant financial strain on patients and their families. With nearly half of the patients in critical condition and undergoing treatment in ICUs, the average treatment cost exceeds ₹5 lakh per patient.

The state government has been offering financial assistance through the Mahatma Jotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, which covers treatment costs up to ₹2 lakh. However, given the high expenses, the Pune Municipal Corporation has stepped in to provide additional financial support for poor patients under the Urban Poor Scheme.