GBS Outbreak: As cases of the debilitating neurological disorder, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) continue to rise in Maharashtra, health officials are on high alert to tackle the outbreak.
According to a report by Times of India, 18 out of 140 patients with GBS are on ventilator support. Two people have lost their lives due to this syndrome. A report by Down to Earth maintain that leading virologists and neuro-specialists in the country have indicated that this could be a sign of more such infections spreading in the future.
According to the report, Virologist and former professor at the Christian Medical College in Vellore, Dr T Jacob John, who has monitored outbreaks of mysterious diseases for decades, explained that the GBS outbreak in Pune is essentially a human-made epidemic.
Reports indicate that high levels of Escherichia coli bacteria were found in water samples from local drinking sources, which clearly suggests contamination from human or animal faeces, making the water unsafe for consumption, Down to Earth reported.
Experts maintain that it is possible that the contaminated water led to a widespread Campylobacter infection, which consequently triggered the GBS outbreak. A report by news agency PTI revealed that the Jharkhand government on Friday said it is on alert mode to check and prevent the outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in the state.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed senior officials to ensure that the state’s apex health institute RIMS and other hospitals are prepared to deal with the disease.
“Chief Minister Hemant Soren convened a high-level review meeting with officials from the health department to assess the state’s preparedness for the prevention and treatment of GBS. He directed the department to ensure swift identification of individuals suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome and ensure that special arrangements for their medical treatment are made in hospitals across the state,” an official statement said. The Chief Minister stressed the need to maintain adequate stockpiles of medicines, oxygen, and hospital beds.
Experts maintain that lack of hygiene will contribute to the spread of such infections in the future.
‘Private water tanker supplying contaminated water’
Health officials continue to test water samples to identify the cause of the outbreak. According to an Indian Express report, testing of water samples in Pune has led to the identification of 15 private tanker services in the city whose supply is allegedly contaminated.
“We were provided with samples from 15 private water tankers and tests have revealed the presence of bacteria in them. A report has been submitted to the civic water supply department,” said civic chemist Mandar Sirdeshpande as quoted by Indian Express, adding that the matter is of grave concern as many citizens availed of services from private water tankers.
The private tanker service providers have now been requested to use disinfectants provided by the civic body till they are able to make their own arrangements, Jagtap added.
Meanwhile, the civic water supply department supplied clean, treated water in GBS-affected areas of Kirkatwadi, Nanded, Nandoshi and Dhayari. Till now, these areas received only untreated water which was only chlorinated, Indian Express reported.
The rare neurological disorder is often triggered by viral and bacterial infection. Its symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea or vomiting.