Maharashtra's Guillain-Barre syndrome cases increase to 197
What's the story
The combined number of suspected and confirmed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune, Maharashtra, has climbed to 197.
The latest spike includes five new cases—two fresh ones and three from previous days. Of these, 172 have been diagnosed with GBS.
The cases have been reported from various regions, both within and outside Pune city limits.
Case distribution
Breakdown of GBS cases across Pune
The health department's release detailed the geographical spread of the GBS cases.
It reported 40 patients from Pune Municipal Corporation areas, 92 from newly added villages in the PMC, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad, 28 from Pune Rural, and eight from other districts.
GBS is a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness, loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Patient update
Current status of GBS patients in Pune
The health department's release also updated the current status of GBS patients.
It said that 104 patients have been discharged, while 50 are still in intensive care units (ICUs) and 20 are on ventilator support.
The death toll linked to GBS in Pune remains at seven, highlighting the severity of this rare condition where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness and even breathing difficulties.
Mumbai fatality
GBS claims 1st victim in Mumbai
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the first GBS-related death was reported as a ward boy working at the VN Desai Hospital succumbed to the illness at Nair Hospital.
This takes the total number of suspected GBS-related deaths in Maharashtra to eight.
The first reported case of GBS in Mumbai was a 64-year-old woman who tested positive on Saturday.