Maharashtra’s Pune continues to be worst affected by Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) as the number of cases and deaths increases. The death toll from GBS in India has now risen to 21, with two additional fatalities reported in Maharashtra on Monday.
GBS is a serious neurological condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. Maharashtra remains the hardest-hit state, accounting for 17 of the deaths. As the GBS cases continue to rise, more and more people are now searching about the condition.
According to the last 7-day data by Google Trends, the google searches with respect to Interest Over Time, has been volatile. This search pattern can be attributed to increasing fear and concern over the condition.
The Interest by Subregion data reveals that users from Karnataka searched the most followed by Telangana, Goa, Maharashtra and Manipur. Users also searched for Related Topics like South India – Area in India, Non-vegetarian food in India – Food, Pune Municipal Corporation – Government office, Infectious disease – Disease and Avian influenza – Disease.
There was also spike in search on Related Queries like Zika virus, gbs cases in bangalore, gbs outbreak in bangalore, gbs bangalore and gbs outbreak in Mumbai.
GBS can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis. According to Mayo Clinic, weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis.
“While recovery may take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after symptoms first began. Some people may have lasting effects, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue,” Mayo Clinic stated.