Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Pune (India)

Outbreak Updates

Update #2 11 March 2025

Occurrence Update
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has dispatched a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Pune, Maharashtra, to assist state health authorities in implementing public health measures and managing the surge in suspected and confirmed cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also assisting health authorities in Maharashtra, India, in responding to suspected and confirmed cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune. In collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation and state and district authorities, WHO is helping to trace, test, and monitor suspected and confirmed cases. Additionally, WHO medical officers are supporting health authorities in analysing epidemiological data and trends.
Developing a ‘spot map’ to illustrate the geographical distribution of the disease and creating an ‘epidemic curve’ of suspected cases to track the spread of new cases over time, aiding in epidemic investigation.
Currently, a total of 225 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been reported, including 197 confirmed cases diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and 28 suspected cases. Of the reported cases, 179 patients have recovered and been discharged.
However, 24 individuals remain in intensive care, with 15 requiring ventilator support. The cases are spread across multiple regions, including Pune Municipal Corporation, recently added villages, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pune Rural, and other districts.
he National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed contaminated water as the main cause of the spike in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in parts of Pune.

Update #1 30 Jan 2025

Occurrence Update
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has dispatched a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Pune, Maharashtra, to assist state health authorities in implementing public health measures and managing the surge in suspected and confirmed cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also assisting health authorities in Maharashtra, India, in responding to suspected and confirmed cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune. In collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation and state and district authorities, WHO is helping to trace, test, and monitor suspected and confirmed cases. Additionally, WHO medical officers are supporting health authorities in analysing epidemiological data and trends.
Developing a ‘spot map’ to illustrate the geographical distribution of the disease and creating an ‘epidemic curve’ of suspected cases to track the spread of new cases over time, aiding in epidemic investigation.
Currently, a total of 225 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been reported, including 197 confirmed cases diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and 28 suspected cases. Of the reported cases, 179 patients have recovered and been discharged.
However, 24 individuals remain in intensive care, with 15 requiring ventilator support. The cases are spread across multiple regions, including Pune Municipal Corporation, recently added villages, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Pune Rural, and other districts.
The National Institute of Virology (NIV) confirmed contaminated water as the main cause of the spike in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in parts of Pune.

About Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nervous system, mainly the peripheral nerves, which results in weakness, numbness, or paralysis of varying degrees.
Symptoms usually begin with weakness and tingling sensations in the hands and feet, which may progress rapidly. Key signs include:

• Muscle weakness that starts in the lower limbs and spreads upwards
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Loss of reflexes
• Severe pain, especially at night
• Breathing difficulties in severe cases

Some people notice the first symptoms in the arms or face. As the syndrome progresses, muscle weakness can turn into paralysis. The symptoms progress over weeks and usually reach their peak within two weeks of onset. If respiratory muscles are involved, the patients may require ventilatory support during this time.
The cause of GBS may remain inconclusive in most of the cases. In the current episode varying reports indicate isolation of Campylobacter jejuni and Norovirus from many cases.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is potentially life-threatening. People with Guillain-Barré syndrome should be treated and monitored as quickly as possible; some may need intensive care.
There is no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Plasmapheresis and Immunoglobulin therapy are offered to manage GBS. Supportive treatment can ease symptoms and help speed recovery.

*The information presented here is based on publicly available data and resources from the internet, social media, and media reports and health agencies. Please note that the reported cases mentioned herein may not be fully confirmed or verified by relevant health authorities.

References

• https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/niv-confirms-water-contamination-for-spike-in-gbs-three-new-patients-found/article69189082.ece
• https://www.who.int/india/news/feature-stories/detail/who-assists-response-to-guillain-barr--syndrome-in-pune
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2096793
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maharashtra-reports-12-guillain-barre-syndrome-deaths-225-cases-101741463664039.html