- By Priyanka Koul
- Wed, 12 Feb 2025 09:34 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: The first death from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has been reported in Mumbai, bringing the total number of fatalities from the disease to eight. A 53-year-old patient, who had been receiving treatment on a ventilator at Nayar Hospital, passed away due to the GBS virus, according to a News18 report.
The patient, a resident of Vadala, had worked as a ward boy at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s B N Desai Hospital.
Recently, Mumbai reported its first case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after a 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with the disease. The woman had a history of diarrhoea and fever, followed by ascending paralysis.
In response to the GBS outbreak, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) took swift action by sealing 30 private water supply plants located in Nanded village, Dhayari, and other areas along Sinhgad Road. The PMC identified these areas as the outbreak's epicentre, and the plants were sealed after tests revealed the water samples were unsafe for drinking.
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What Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This leads to muscle weakness, numbness, and in some cases, paralysis. The exact cause isn't fully understood, but GBS often follows an infection, such as a viral or bacterial infection, including the flu, COVID-19, or gastrointestinal infections.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome:
- Weakness or tingling sensations, typically starting in the legs and progressing upwards.
- Muscle weakness, which can lead to difficulty walking or even paralysis.
-Pain or cramping in muscles.
- Breathing difficulties if the muscles involved in respiration are affected.
- Loss of reflexes.
How Does One Get GBS?
While the precise cause is not fully understood, GBS is thought to be triggered by an infection that causes the immune system to overreact and attack the nerves. In some cases, surgery or vaccinations may also trigger the syndrome.
Treatment For Guillain-Barre Syndrome
There is no specific cure for GBS, but treatments such as plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy can help reduce the severity of symptoms and speed up recovery. Most people eventually recover, though it can take weeks, months, or even years for full recovery, depending on the severity.