Centre Sends Expert Team To Address Rising Guillain Barre Syndrome Cases In Pune

Amid a surge in Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has sent a seven-member expert team to support Maharashtra’s public health measures. Pune has reported 111 GBS cases, a nerve disorder that can cause paralysis.

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar confirmed that 17 GBS patients are currently on ventilators. The Central team aims to help the state manage the growing number of suspected and confirmed cases.

The high-level team includes experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), NIMHANS Bengaluru, the Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare, and the National Institute for Virology (NIV), Pune. Three additional NIV experts are already assisting local authorities.

The team will work with the State Health Department to assess the situation and recommend necessary public health interventions. The Union Health Ministry also monitors the crisis and coordinates closely with the state.

Preventive Measures To Reduce GBS Risk

The Maharashtra Health Department issued an advisory to help prevent GBS. It recommends drinking boiled or bottled water, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, and properly cooking poultry and meat. It also advises avoiding raw or undercooked foods like salads, eggs, kebabs, and seafood.

The advisory emphasizes separating raw and cooked foods, disinfecting kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat, and maintaining hygiene through frequent handwashing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

The state aims to reduce GBS cases through these precautions and public health measures. The Centre’s intervention highlights its proactive approach to managing the health crisis.

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