NIN Web Desk : (Dr Subhrajyoti Chattopadhyay) ; The Maharashtra health department reported on Sunday what is suspected to be the first death linked to the Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak concentrated in Pune as the cases have spiked to 101 with 28 more confirmed infections, based on updated surveillance data as per sources.
Sixteen of the patients diagnosed with this rare but treatable condition are currently on ventilator support. Whereas 19 of those with symptoms are below nine, while the 50-80 age group have reported about 23 cases till now as on 27th January at around 10:05 am.The Health department officials said near about 25000 homes had been surveyed till yesterday i.e. on Republic Day.
As part of a surveillance exercise meant to find more patients within the community and dapple the trigger for the surge in GBS cases, which otherwise don’t exceed more than a month or two.GBS treatment is very much expensive since each injection costs Rs 20,000.GBS mainly occurs when the body’s immune system, while reacting to a bacterial or viral infection, mistakenly attacks the nerves that carry brain signals to parts of the body, leading to weakness, paralysis or other symptoms.
Doctors said 80% of affected patients regain their ability to walk without assistance within 6 months of hospital discharge but in few cases it may take up to a year or more to regain full use of their limbs.Patients will typically need a course of immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections.Symptoms of GBSGBS will exhibit symptoms like weakness, prickling sensation and paralysis in severe cases.
These symptoms will initiate with legs and extend to the upper body. Earlier signals can be through by experiencing nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting ,diarrhea and lead to neurological symptoms too. Prompt medical attention is necessary as early treatment can result in high possibilities of recovery.
Preventive measures to takeTo minimize the risk of this infection it is essential to adopt proper food handling and preparation before consumption1. Unpasteurized milk and dairy products should be avoided as they can bear Campylobacter bacteria.2. Proper cooking of the meals so that harmful bacteria will get removed if it has been heated at a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.3.
Practising proper hand hygiene in our daily life. Hands should be washed properly with soap and water before and after touching poultry and dairy products.4. Avoid cross contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and other food items. This way the spread of the bacteria can be prevented.
