An analysis of 163 confirmed and suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has revealed that approximately 67% of affected individuals are healthy, with no underlying comorbidities. This marks a concerning trend, as more people without pre-existing health conditions are being diagnosed with GBS. The analysis was conducted by the Rapid Response Team (RRT) assigned to manage the GBS outbreak in Pune.
According to public health officials, this shift has prompted increased efforts to advise even healthy individuals to adopt strict precautionary measures.
Rising Cases in Pune District
Since January 2025, Pune district has reported a notable GBS outbreak, particularly in areas along Sinhagad Road, including Nanded Village, Kirkatwadi, Dhayari, and DSK Vishwa. The outbreak has primarily affected individuals across all age groups. Of the 163 cases analyzed, 110 patients—roughly 67%—are healthy individuals with no known comorbidities. In contrast, only 33% (53 patients) had underlying health issues.
Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, deputy director of health services and head of the RRT, emphasized that GBS differs significantly from conditions like COVID-19. He urged residents to take precautions by boiling drinking water and consuming hygienically prepared food while avoiding stale or unhygienic food. He reassured the public, stating that while everyone is at risk, the administration is actively working on preventive measures.
Misconceptions about GBS and Immunity
Experts have clarified that GBS is not linked to a person’s immunity or existing health conditions. Dr. Ameet Dravid, an infectious diseases expert at Noble and Poona Hospital, explained that GBS occurs due to an immune response that mistakenly attacks the body’s nervous system, triggered by infections such as food poisoning or flu. The condition, which involves the immune system attacking peripheral nerves, can strike anyone—healthy or otherwise.
Dr. Pankaj Agarwal, head of the neurology department at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, noted that GBS can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, and even breathing difficulties. It is often triggered by infections, vaccination reactions, or food poisoning. Proper hygiene, avoiding respiratory infections, and seeking medical advice if symptoms like weakness or tingling appear can reduce the risk of developing GBS.
C. jejuni Contamination Linked to GBS Outbreak
In a related development, experts from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) confirmed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) bacteria in water samples from the Kirkatwadi area. C. jejuni, a bacterial pathogen, is known to cause infections that can lead to GBS, a rare neurological disorder. The confirmation came after a detailed analysis of water samples from various parts of the city.
The contamination was traced back to a water tanker service supplying water from a well in Kolhewadi, which serves the Kirkatwadi housing society. Public health officials indicated that C. jejuni contamination in water has been linked to the ongoing GBS outbreak, which has primarily affected areas along Sinhagad Road.
In addition to confirming bacterial contamination, NIV scientists have identified C. jejuni in stool samples from 27 suspected or confirmed GBS patients. Further investigations are ongoing, with additional samples sent to laboratories for testing.
As of now, Pune district has reported a total of 170 GBS cases, with 132 confirmed and 5 suspected deaths. While the majority of patients are receiving treatment in intensive care units, many have been discharged, and efforts continue to prevent further spread.
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