Pune: No Fresh GBS Cases or Deaths Reported in Cluster Area Since February 18
Pune has witnessed a significant breakthrough in controlling the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak, with no fresh suspected cases or deaths reported in the affected cluster area over the past 15 days, according to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials. The last suspected case and death were reported on February 18.
The outbreak, which began on January 9, saw an unusual spike in GBS cases, particularly in areas like Sinhagad Road, Nande Gaon, Nanded, Dhayari, Kirkitwadi, and Khadakwasla. To date, Pune district has reported 223 GBS cases (195 confirmed) and 11 suspected deaths (6 confirmed). Of these, 140 cases were from Pune city, with 97 cases concentrated in the cluster area and 43 sporadic cases.
PMC officials attributed the control of the outbreak to intensified surveillance, case-to-case mapping of suspected GBS patients, and monitoring of diarrhoea cases. Dr. Vaishali Jadhav, Assistant Health Officer of PMC, highlighted the measures taken, including testing water samples, distributing free mediclor bottles, and conducting awareness campaigns on food and hand hygiene.
Despite the situation being under control, surveillance in the affected areas will continue. Currently, 39 active GBS cases are undergoing treatment in the district, with 17 from Pune city. Of these, 29 patients are in the ICU, and 14 are on ventilator support.
Dr. Nina Borade, Health Chief of PMC, clarified that sporadic cases reported in other parts of the city are not linked to the cluster and are typical throughout the year. GBS, a treatable neurological condition, causes symptoms like limb weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or walking.
