First GBS death in Mumbai: 53-year-old man succumbs to symptoms; BMC yet to confirm link to Pune cases

BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed to PTI that it is the first death in the metropolis due to the GBS.

The patient, an employee of BMC’s V N Desai Hospital, had been on ventilator support at the civic-run Nair Hospital before succumbing to complications from the illness.

According to the man’s family, he had travelled to Pune for a day last month before falling ill.

He was admitted to the hospital on January 23 after experiencing fever.

Following extensive medical tests, including cerebrospinal fluid analysis, doctors diagnosed him with GBS. Due to the severity of his condition, he was placed in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) but succumbed to the illness on February 10 night, according to municipal authorities.

“We are investigating the matter to determine if there is any connection between this case and the outbreak in Pune,” said a senior BMC official.

In addition to this case, a 16-year-old girl diagnosed with GBS has been admitted to Nair Hospital. Her condition is stable, and she continues to receive treatment. The girl, a Class 10 student from Palghar district, was brought to Mumbai for medical care. Meanwhile, a 64-year-old woman from Andheri (West), was also diagnosed with GBS and admitted to the BMC-run Seven Hills Hospital on February 5.

GBS is a rare but serious autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.

While its exact cause is unknown, it is often triggered by infections such as influenza, gastrointestinal bacteria like Campylobacter jejuni, or, in some cases, vaccinations. The disease can progress rapidly, requiring intensive medical intervention, including mechanical ventilation if respiratory muscles are affected.

Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior BMC official emphasised that cases of GBS are recorded throughout the year and there is no immediate cause for alarm.

“GBS occurs sporadically, and unless we identify a clear connection between this case and Pune, it does not hold epidemiological significance,” the official said.

8th death in Pune

A 59-year-old man from Khadakwasla succumbed to Guillain Barre Syndrome. This is the eighth death reported by Pune health authorities with the case count now crossing the 200 mark.

On Wednesday, a total of 203 suspected GBS cases were reported in Pune. Of these patients 109 have been discharged till now, 52 are in ICU and 20 are on ventilator support.

In the latest suspected death due to GBS, the man was admitted to Kashibai  Navale Medical College and general hospital late on February 10 after he showed symptoms like weakness.

According to Pune district health authorities a nerve conduction velocity indicated acute motor axonal neuropathy, which signifies damage to nerves related to motor function. Plasmapheresis was initiated as part of the treatment for GBS. However, early on February 11 he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and succumbed to complications.

With inputs from ENS, Pune