What is Guillain-Barré syndrome
GBS is a rare condition that causes sudden numbness and muscle weakness, with symptoms including severe weakness in the limbs, loose motions etc. Bacterial and viral infections generally lead to GBS as they weaken the immunity of patients, as per doctors.
Health Minister Abitkar, who is in Pune, inspected a well in Nanded village on Sinhgad Road, from where water is supplied to adjoining villages.
He said, “80% of cases are from areas around this well. The state health department and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are taking necessary measures to address the issue.” Abitkar said, “Generally, death does not occur due to this disease. However, in an unfortunate case, a patient suspected to have contracted GBS died in Solapur. Precautions are being taken, and awareness is being created to ensure no further casualties.” The minister further stated that the ailment has been included in the Mahatma Phule Health Scheme, under which patients can avail free treatment up to Rs 2 lakh, and pointed out that Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who holds the finance portfolio, has assured to make separate budgetary provision to tackle GBS cases.
Asked about accountability for the suspected contamination, Abitkar said, “Concrete measures are being implemented to ensure supply of clean drinking water. Responsibility will be fixed where necessary. Additionally, the state needs to establish comprehensive SOPs involving municipal corporations, Zilla Parishads, and other local bodies to prevent such issues in the future.” He emphasized that GBS tends to affect individuals with weak immunity.
“The high number of cases in certain areas appears to be linked to suspected water contamination. Steps are being taken to resolve the issue and ensure clean water supply,” the minister noted.
Notably, campylobacter jejuni bacteria, which usually causes stomach infection, triggers the GBS disease. Consuming water contaminated with this bacteria may increase the risk of developing the immunological nerve disorder.
Abitkar highlighted that medical facilities in Pune have been ramped up to provide better medical care to suspected GBS patients.
Asked about the high cost of treatment of the disease, the minister advised patients to visit empanelled hospitals and said private medical facilities are being instructed not to charge them exorbitantly.
According to civic officials, the PMC has set up a 45-bed facility at Kamla Nehru Hospital to treat GBS patients.
Meanwhile, the Rapid Response Team (RRT), set up by state and civic health departments, continued surveillance in the GBS-affected areas in Sinhgad Road.
PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale on Sunday said water samples from various sources, including wells in the affected areas, have been tested, but no contamination has some to light so far.
The civic body has decided to provide clean drinking water through tankers to affected housing societies in Kirkatwadi, Nanded village and other localities, said Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the PMC’s water supply department.
The Centre has deployed a seven-member team of experts to assist the State in monitoring and managing the increasing cases of GBS, an official source said in New Delhi.
