Special Correspondent
Pune : Recent reports indicate that West Bengal has confirmed two fatalities due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): a 10-year-old from Jagatdal, North 24 Parganas district, who passed away at BC Roy Hospital in Kolkata, and a 17-year-old from the same district who died at NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
In Maharashtra, particularly in Pune, there has been a significant increase in GBS cases, with the count reaching 127 since January 9. The state has reported two suspected GBS-related deaths: a 41-year-old chartered accountant from Pune who died in Solapur, and a 56-year-old woman from Pune’s Kirkatwadi area who succumbed to respiratory failure and sepsis on January 28.
Health officials are investigating potential causes for these outbreaks. In Pune, contaminated water sources are being examined as a possible factor. GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, often following bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms include weakness, tingling, and in severe cases, paralysis. Early detection and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
Authorities are urging the public to maintain hygiene, ensure safe drinking water, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
