Explainer | Guillain-Barre Syndrome: What are the symptoms and how to prevent it

A man suspected of having Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) died in Solapur, Maharashtra, on January 27, 2025, according to reports.

Till now, the total number of GBS cases has risen to 101, including 68 men and 33 women. Out of these, 16 patients are on ventilator support. Health officials have reported one suspected death in Solapur.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases | 101 patients have been found until now. 81 patients are from Pune MC, 14 from Pimpri Chinchwad MC and 6 are from other districts: Public Health Department, Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/kdoip599yT

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2025

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. This part of the nervous system controls movement and sensation outside the brain and spinal cord. GBS can develop suddenly and without warning. While it is more common in adults and in males, people of all ages can be affected.

Symptoms of GBS
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the symptoms of GBS usually start in the legs and may spread to other parts of the body.

These include:

• Tingling or weakness in the legs, which can spread to the arms and face.
• Pain in the back, arms, or legs.
• Loss of reflexes during a neurological exam.
• Paralysis in severe cases, affecting the legs, arms, or facial muscles.
• Breathing difficulties, as GBS can weaken chest muscles in about one-third of cases.
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing in severe cases.

Patients with GBS need immediate medical care, as symptoms can worsen over a few days or weeks. The most severe weakness usually occurs within the first two weeks of symptom onset, as stated by Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Also Read: Guillain–Barré syndrome

What causes GBS?
The exact cause of GBS is not fully known, however, certain factors can trigger it. These include:

• Infections: Most GBS cases occur after an infection, which leads the immune system to attack the body.

• Common bacterial cause: Campylobacter jejuni infection, which causes gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), is a major risk factor.

• Viral infections: GBS can also develop after infections such as:
o Influenza (flu)
o Cytomegalovirus
o Epstein-Barr virus
o Zika virus

• Vaccinations: In rare cases, vaccines may slightly increase the risk of GBS. However, studies show that the risk of GBS from infections like the flu is much higher than from vaccines such as the flu shot.

• Surgery: In some cases, undergoing surgery can act as a trigger for GBS.

Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome contagious?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not contagious or inherited. The exact cause is still unknown. This autoimmune condition can affect people at any age, but it commonly affects people between 30 and 50.

How to Prevent GBS?
Taking certain precautions can help reduce the risk:

• Drink only boiled or bottled water.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
• Cook poultry and meat properly; avoid raw or undercooked food like salads, eggs, kebabs, or seafood.
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination.
• Disinfect kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat.
• Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing with soap, especially before meals and after using the toilet.

Following these hygiene and food safety measures can help lower the chances of infections that might trigger GBS. If you experience any symptoms, seek medical help immediately.