Pune (Maharashtra) [India], February 12 (HBTV): Maharashtra's Health Department on Tuesday reported an outbreak of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). A total of 192 suspected cases have been identified, with 172 diagnosed with GBS and seven deaths recorded.

Most cases have been reported from Pune and surrounding areas. So far, 104 patients have been discharged, while 50 remain in the ICU and 20 are on ventilators.

According to the Maharashtra Health Department, among the 192 suspected cases, 172 have been confirmed as GBS. Of the seven deaths, four were confirmed to be due to GBS, while three remain under investigation. The cases are distributed as follows: 40 from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 92 from newly added villages in the PMC area, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, 28 from Pune rural areas, and eight from other districts.

State health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have intensified surveillance efforts in affected areas.

Earlier, on February 6, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) sealed 30 private water supply plants in Nanded village, Dhayari, and adjoining areas on Sinhgad Road in Pune city, which have been identified as the outbreak's epicenter. A PMC official stated that the action was taken over the past two days after water samples from these plants were found unfit for drinking. Some plants lacked proper operating permits, while others were contaminated with Escherichia coli bacteria. Additionally, certain plants were not using disinfectants or chlorine to control contamination.

On February 3, the Union Health Minister held a high-level meeting with key health and medical officials from Maharashtra, reviewing the public health measures being undertaken, including testing and treatment for GBS patients.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.

(ANI)