Mumbai's first GBS fatality: 53-Year-Old patient passes away

Mumbai has recorded its first Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) fatality, with a 53-year-old patient passing away at Nair Hospital. This marks the eighth GBS-related death overall. The deceased, a ward boy from BMC’s BN Desai Hospital and a Wadala resident, had been in critical condition for several days before succumbing to the illness, as reported by Dr. Shailesh Mohite, Dean of Nair Hospital.

In related developments, a 16-year-old girl from Palghar is under observation at Nair Hospital after exhibiting GBS symptoms. The health department has reported that the number of suspected and confirmed GBS cases in Pune has increased to 197, with five new cases recently identified. Out of these, 172 have been confirmed as GBS cases. The case distribution includes 40 from Pune Municipal Corporation areas, 92 from newly added villages, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad, 28 from Pune Rural, and eight from other districts.

In Pune, while 104 patients have been discharged, 50 remain in the ICU, and 20 are on ventilator support. The death toll in the Pune area stands at seven.

GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly targets peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the limbs, and in severe cases, swallowing and breathing difficulties. It is often triggered by infections such as Campylobacter jejuni, found in contaminated food and water. Although it can impact people of various ages, most recover fully with appropriate treatment.

In response to the GBS cases, the Maharashtra government has issued advisories, urging residents to drink boiled water, consume fresh food, and prevent cross-contamination between cooked and raw foods. Maintaining good hygiene and seeking prompt medical treatment for symptoms at government hospitals are also emphasized.