Maharashtra Reports First Death Due To Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Check Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

A Pune-based Chartered Accountant has become the first person to die from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra. The patient passed away in Solapur district, where he was visiting his hometown.

According to an NDTV report, the victim who used to live in Pune's DSK Vishwa area, was suffering from diarrhoea and felt weak after reaching Solapur. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors diagnosed him with GBS.

Pune has been in the limelight for days now, with 73 patients being admitted to hospitals due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome. As many as 14 of them are on ventilators. On Saturday, another nine patients were suspected of contracting the disease. 

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar is set to hold a review meeting in Pune on Monday with the Health Department and administration officials over the outbreak of GBS. He will also visit the affected areas and hospitals to take stock of the situation, reported ANI.

The Pune Municipal Corporation has implemented a range of measures in response to the situation, while the Union Health Ministry has sent a team to the city. The recent outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has affected individuals in and around Pune's Sinhgad area.

Here is everything you need to know about Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

According to the US National Institute of Health, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system — the network of nerves that transmits signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. GBS typically starts suddenly and can progressively worsen over hours, days, or weeks, eventually leading to the loss of muscle function in some cases. In severe cases, this disease can lead to death.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the first symptom of GBS is a tingling sensation in the feet and weakness and may spread to the arms and upper body. 

As per the World Health Organization, the symptoms can worsen and lead to paralysis of legs, arms, or muscles in the face. In one-third of cases, chest muscles are affected, making it difficult to breathe or swallow food. This is considered life-threatening.

While the exact cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome remains unknown, the rare disease is usually followed by an infection with a virus or bacteria. This makes the immune system attack the body itself, says WHO. In rare cases, certain vaccinations can increase the risk of getting GBS.

Treatment of the disease includes hospitalisation and close monitoring of breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure. There is no known cure for GBS, but treating the symptoms can shorten the duration. Sometimes, immunotherapy such as plasma exchange is used to treat the disease.