The number of suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) patients in Maharashtra has surged to 163, with five suspected deaths reported as of Monday.
Out of these, 127 have been confirmed as GBS cases. The latest addition is one new suspected case reported on Monday, with the remaining four cases identified in previous days.
According to the state Public Health Department, the distribution of patients is as follows: 32 from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), 86 from newly added villages in the PMC area, 18 from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, 19 from Pune rural, and eight from other districts.
So far, 47 patients have been discharged, while 47 remain in intensive care units, and 21 are on ventilators. The age breakdown of the 163 patients is as follows: 24 are aged 0-9 years, 22 are aged 10-19 years, 35 are aged 20-29 years, 20 are aged 30-39 years, 18 are aged 40-49 years, 25 are aged 50-59 years, 14 are aged 60-69 years, two are aged 70-79 years, and three are aged 80-89 years.
On Monday, 63 serum samples were sent to NIMHANS Bengaluru for Antiganglioside Antibodies testing.
GBS symptoms include sudden weakness in hands or legs/paralysis, trouble while walking, sudden onset of weakness, and prolonged diarrhea.
The Public Health Department has urged citizens not to panic and to visit government hospitals if any symptoms are observed. Preventive measures are also advised.
Citizens are encouraged to ensure good water quality, drink boiled water, consume fresh and clean food, and avoid eating stale or partially cooked food, particularly chicken or mutton.
The department emphasizes the importance of maintaining hygiene and taking preventive measures to curb the spread of GBS.
