Mumbai resident lost life due to guillian barre syndrome
A 53-year-old patient from Mumbai has lost his life becoming the eighth person in Maharashtra to die from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The patient received treatment at Nair Hospital after developing GBS symptoms of leg weakness on January 26. Health professionals transferred him swiftly to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where they placed him on a ventilator because his illness progressed toward dangerous breathing problems. Medical staff provided treatment but the patient lost his life on February 10.
The neurological condition known as Guillain-Barré Syndrome causes the immune system to attack peripheral nervous tissue resulting in weakened muscles and reduced sensory functions and compromised breathing ability. Doctors have not established the real cause of this. The syndrome can also appear after receiving a vaccination or undergoing major surgery.
When was first patient recorded in city?
Hospital records show the 53-year-old patient spent two weeks in Pune before his admission but failed to determine if this travel was linked to his illness. A 64-year-old Mumbai resident became the first person in the city to receive a diagnosis of GBS in 2024. The patient experienced fever and diarrhoea before developing symptoms of ascending paralysis.
As the number of GBS cases rises, the state’s health department reported 203 suspected cases of the disease, with 176 confirmed diagnoses. In response to the outbreak, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken swift action by sealing 30 private water supply plants after finding that their water samples were contaminated. These areas, including Nanded village and Dhayari on Sinhgad Road, are considered the epicentre of the GBS outbreak. The state water supply and sanitation department has also instructed local councils to ensure the supply of purified water and regularly monitor water quality.
How many patients discharged so far?
Health authorities in Maharashtra continue to monitor the situation closely. So far, 104 patients have been discharged, while 50 remain in ICU, with 20 requiring ventilators. The rise in cases has prompted further investigation into potential sources of contamination and other preventive measures to mitigate the spread of GBS.
This public health crisis highlights the importance of ensuring safe drinking water and rapid medical responses. Awareness and education about GBS and its potential triggers can help the public stay vigilant and act promptly should symptoms appear.
