Guillain-Barre Syndrome outbreak in Pune: The increasing cases of a rare neurological disorder in Maharashtra’s Pune has become a cause of concern among authorities. On Friday, Maharashtra health authorities on Friday informed that they had identified 73 individuals affected by the Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Dr Babita Kamalapurkar, Joint Director of Health, Maharashtra told The Indian Express that a survey of over 7000 homes in the affected areas like Sinhagad, Dhayari, and Khadakwasla apart from some areas in Pimpri Chinchwad and rural parts has been undertaken. A total of 1943 homes in PMC limits, 1750 in Pimpri Chinchwad area, and 3522 in Pune rural have been surveyed.
According to the Indian Express report, of the 73 cases, there are 13 children in the age group 0-9 and 12 in the age group 10-19. The state analysis revealed that eight patients each are in the 20-20 and 30-39 age group and nine in the 40-49 age group. Seven patients are in the 50-59 age group, 15 in the 60-69 age group and one person is in the 70-80 age group.
Meanwhile, 44 of the 73 patients are from rural parts of Pune, 11 from within municipal corporation limits and 15 patients from Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporation. Three patients are from other districts. There are 47 men and 26 women who have GBS and are admitted across various hospitals.
Reportedly, water samples have also been collected from the affected areas and sent to the public health laboratories. Stool samples from the affected people have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV).
NIV report reveals that norovirus – a common cause of acute gastroenteritis along with campylobacter bacteria have been detected in some of the samples of persons with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
A rare neurological disorder, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, forces body’s immune system to attacks the nerves. According to Mayo Clinic, the condition can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis.
“Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. In its most serious form, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital,” Mayo Clinic revealed.
The exact cause of this condition is still not known. However two-thirds of people have symptoms of an infection in the six weeks before Guillain-Barre symptoms begin. Infections can include a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including COVID-19. Guillain-Barre also can be caused by the Zika virus.
What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
The disorder begins with with tingling and weakness starting in the feet and legs and spreading to the upper body and arms. As the disease progresses, muscle weakness can turn into paralysis.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome may include:
- A pins and needles feeling in the fingers, toes, ankles or wrists.
- Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body.
- Unsteady walk or not being able to walk or climb stairs.
- Trouble with facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing.
- Double vision or inability to move the eyes.
- Severe pain that may feel achy, shooting or cramplike and may be worse at night.
- Trouble with bladder control or bowel function.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Low or high blood pressure.
- Trouble breathing.
People with Guillain-Barre syndrome usually experience their most significant weakness within two weeks after symptoms begin, Mayo Clinic revealed.
What are the causes of Guillain-Barre syndrome?
The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome isn’t known. Guillain-Barre syndrome may be triggered by:
- Most commonly, an infection with campylobacter, a type of bacteria often found in undercooked poultry.
- Influenza virus.
- Cytomegalovirus.
- Epstein-Barr virus.
- Zika virus.
- Hepatitis A, B, C and E.
- HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
- Mycoplasma pneumonia.
- Surgery.
- Trauma.
- Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Rarely, influenza vaccinations or childhood vaccinations.
- COVID-19 virus.
How Guillain-Barre syndrome is treated?
There’s no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Treatment regimen usually involves giving symptomatic relief to the patient. According to Mayo Clinic, two types of treatments can speed recovery and reduce symptoms:
- Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis
- Immunoglobulin therapy
It is noteworthy that recovery can take months and even years.