Listen to Story A total of 59 people in Pune have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder. Around 12 out of the 59 are on ventilators. The Maharashtra health department has formed a team to investigate the sudden increase of cases in the city.
"The total number of GBS cases increased to 59 on Wednesday, including 38 men and 21 women. 12 patients are currently on ventilator support," said a health official. Doctors have explained the bacterial or viral infections generally lead to GBS since they weaken a person's immunity.
"It is prevalent in both paediatric and young-age groups. However, GBS will not lead to an epidemic or pandemic," said the official, adding that with treatment, most people recover fully from the condition. WHAT IS GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME? Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves, leading to weakness, numbness or even paralysis.
GBS is not just rare, the exact causes of it remain unknown. According to Mayo Clinic, around a majority of people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome have experienced symptoms of an infection at least six weeks before the GBS symptoms show. These infections include any respiratory illness or a gastrointestinal infection.
The symptoms of GBS include is weakness, which is experienced within in the feet first, then may move up the body to the legs, arms, face and breathing muscles. A person may find it difficult to walk up the .