Guillain Barre Syndrome Outbreak: Neurological Society of Pune issues public Advisory

A recent outbreak of ‘Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)’ has been identified in the Sinhagad Road area of Pune. Health authorities suspect a link to ‘Campylobacter’ infection, often transmitted through contaminated food or water. Pune has reported 111 cases of GBS so far. 

Talking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Rahul Kulkarni, President of the Neurological Society of Pune stated, “There is no reason to panic yet. We are well aware of the disease and the ways to handle it.” Talking about the symptoms he stated, “Most of the patients detected with GBS within the last few weeks have complained of abdominal pain and have symptoms like vomiting, and loose motion at least one to two weeks before the onset of this neurological problem. They might have some kind of infection from which it could have triggered. The infection can be abdominal, where they have gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory, or when they get cough and cold.”

He also suggested some methods of precaution for the public including boiling the water properly before drinking it or using properly filtered water, cleaning the vegetables before cooking, washing hands properly before touching food, and avoiding eating food that is prepared at unhygienic places.

An official communique from the Neurological Society of Pune shared the following information about GBS:

What Is GBS?

GBS is a rare but treatable neurological condition where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to weakness in the upper and lower limbs, neck, face, and eyes, tingling or numbness, and difficulty walking, swallowing, or breathing in severe cases. The illness often starts suddenly and can progress over 4 weeks. Some patients may experience rapid worsening, while others may progress more slowly. Severe cases might require ICU admission and ventilatory support. Treatments include injections of IVIg or plasma exchange (similar to dialysis).

How Does Campylobacter Cause GBS?

‘Campylobacter Jejuni’ infection can occur after consuming contaminated food or water. The infection may lead to diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. In some individuals, an immune response to the bacteria mistakenly targets nerves, causing GBS within 1 to 3 weeks. Other known triggers are infections like other viruses including dengue, chikungunya, or bacteria which can cause abnormal immune reactions against nerves.

Symptoms of Campylobacter Infection:

Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), Abdominal pain, Fever, Nausea, or vomiting.