Pune: The state of Maharashtra is witnessing a troubling surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases, with the total count now standing at 101. Among these, 16 patients are reported to be in critical condition and are currently on ventilator support. Health authorities have launched extensive surveys and initiated measures to control the outbreak.
The affected regions include Pune rural areas, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) limits, and other districts.
Specifically, 62 cases have been reported in Pune rural areas, 19 in PMC jurisdiction, 14 in PCMC areas, and 6 in other districts. A suspected GBS patient has also reportedly succumbed to the illness in Solapur.
Extensive Surveys and Testing Initiated
To curb the outbreak, PMC, PCMC, and district authorities have expedited patient surveys in affected areas. Health department teams have surveyed 25,578 households, including 15,761 in PMC limits, 3,719 in PCMC areas, and 7,098 in rural regions.
The Rapid Response Team (RRT), formed by the health department, is actively inspecting areas with a higher prevalence of cases and collecting biological samples for testing.
Patient samples, including stool and blood, have been sent to the National Institute of Virology. Initial reports have confirmed infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni and Norovirus.
Additionally, water samples from various parts of Pune have been forwarded to the State Public Health Laboratory for further analysis. However, these results are still awaited.
High Treatment Costs and Government Assistance
The rise in GBS cases has placed immense financial pressure on patients and their families. On average, the treatment cost for GBS exceeds ₹500,000 per patient.
While the state government’s Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana provides free treatment up to ₹200,000, this falls short of the total expense. Families are struggling to bear the additional costs, which can range from ₹500,000–₹1 million in medium- and large-scale hospitals.
To address this issue, Pune Municipal Corporation has announced financial support for underprivileged patients. This initiative aims to make critical care accessible to economically weaker sections of society, ensuring timely treatment for GBS patients.
The majority of GBS patients in Pune are receiving intensive care, with half of them reported to be in critical condition. The ongoing investigations, including virological and water quality analyses, aim to identify the root causes and mitigate further outbreaks.
