Guillain barre syndrome Pune: The increasing cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Pune have increased the concerns of the health department. On Sunday (26 January), the first death occurred in Pune due to GBS. A patient from Solapur died. After this, the health department has become alert. 73 new cases of GBS have been reported in Maharashtra in a week.
Meanwhile, 101 active cases of this disease have been reported in Pune. These include 19 children below the age of nine. The situation is becoming serious. Let us know how many patients are currently on ventilators? What has the government announced? What are the symptoms of this disease and what can be done to prevent it.
The treatment of GBS is very expensive. One dose of immunoglobulin (IVIG) injection costs around Rs 20,000. Taking note of this, Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has announced free treatment for GBS patients. Patients from Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune Municipal Corporation areas will be treated in different hospitals.
Patients affected by this disease in rural areas will be treated at Sasoon Hospital. Meanwhile, water samples have been taken in Pune. The level of bacteria E. coli was found to be high in a well near the Khadakvasla dam. People have been advised to drink boiled water and eat fresh hot food.
The number of patients affected by Guillain-Barre Syndrome is increasing. Currently 16 patients are on ventilators in Pune. Most of these patients are between 50 and 80 years of age. The number of children affected by GBS has also increased. Most of the children affected by this disease are between 9 years and 19 years of age. Doctors say that this is a matter of serious concern for the health department and the general public.
So far 25,578 houses have been surveyed in Pune. The health department has sent blood, stool and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples to ICMR and NIV for testing. Doctors say that awareness and vigilance are very important to control this situation. Experts have clearly said that the sudden increase in GBS cases is worrying. If timely steps are not taken to prevent it, then this disease can increase even more.
After the cases of GBS came to light, Pune hospitals examined biological samples. Bacteria called Campylobacter Jejuni have been confirmed in them. This bacteria causes one-third of GBS cases. On Sunday, officials started the investigation by taking water samples from Pune. A well near the Khadakvasla dam was found to have very high levels of E. coli bacteria. People have been advised to drink boiled water and eat fresh food.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune condition. In this, the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves of the nervous system. This affects the ability to transmit signals from the brain to the muscles. In most cases, it is triggered after a bacterial or viral infection.
High levels of E. coli bacteria have also been found in the samples found in Pune. In this disease, the hands and feet become weak and the patient is unable to walk. In some cases, there may also be difficulty in breathing.
The symptoms of GBS may seem minor in the beginning, such as tingling and weakness in the feet or hands. But if this disease progresses rapidly, muscle control is lost. In some cases, the patient also has trouble breathing. Doctors say that ignoring the early symptoms can be dangerous. In such a situation, as soon as the symptoms appear, contact the doctors immediately.
Regarding the treatment of this disease, doctors say that at present there is no cure for this disease. However, the symptoms of this disease can be controlled with treatments like immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy and plasma exchange (plasmapheresis). However, the cost of these treatments is very high. In such a situation, patients coming from the poor section may have to face difficulties due to getting affected by this disease.
Doctors say that it is very important to start treatment on time in cases of GBS. Ventilator support may be needed for serious patients. Currently 16 patients are on ventilator in Pune. At present, prevention is the only way to avoid it. The public has been advised to be cautious. It is important to take care of the hygiene of water and food in particular. GBS is caused by bacteria like Campylobacter Jejuni. Contaminated water and food help spread this bacteria. In such a situation, it is important to take care of clean and hygienic food.
