Maharashtra is on high alert following the first suspected death linked to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare but serious neurological disorder. With 101 reported cases in Pune, particularly from Kirkatwadi along Sinhagad Road and Nandedgaon, health officials and doctors are urging caution. One of the major concerns is the high cost of treatment, as a single immunoglobulin injection, crucial for strengthening the immune system, costs around ₹20,000. However, there are allegations that private hospitals are overcharging patients, as the actual price of the injection is closer to ₹5,000. In response, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, has assured free treatment for affected individuals in select hospitals.
Hospitals such as Kamla Nehru Hospital, YCM Hospital of Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Sassoon Hospital are offering free medical care for GBS patients. Additionally, under the Urban Poor Scheme (UBS), the Pune Municipal Corporation provides financial aid of up to ₹2 lakh for treatment.
Common Symptoms of GBS:
Progressive weakness, starting in the legs and spreading to other parts of the body
Tingling sensations in fingers, toes, wrists, and ankles
Difficulty in speaking, chewing, and swallowing
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Muscle cramps, particularly worsening at night
Abnormal heart rate and fluctuations in blood pressure
Trouble walking, climbing stairs, or maintaining balance
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms typically appear within two weeks after an initial infection.
Why Avoid Rice, Cheese, and Paneer?
Health experts caution against consuming certain foods that may harbor bacteria, especially during the ongoing outbreak. Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, MD Medicine from AIIMS Delhi, highlighted in a video that Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water, is a primary cause of the recent GBS cases. She emphasized the need to avoid eating outside and to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.
“If you must eat outside, avoid foods like rice, cheese, and paneer that are often stored for long periods. These items are prone to bacterial contamination if not handled properly,” she warned. Increasing intake of vitamin C-rich foods can also help boost immunity and reduce infection risks.
With GBS-related searches exceeding 10,000 on Google Trends in the last 21 hours, awareness about symptoms and preventive measures is crucial. Authorities continue to monitor the situation while urging residents to maintain strict food hygiene and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
