Guillain-Barré Syndrome case count at 211: State health secretary calls for stricter hygiene, close monitoring of diarrhoea cases

“We need to ensure better health outcomes and hence, measures such as basic cleanliness, hygiene and santiation have to be prioritized,” said Singh.

According to state health authorities, there are 211 GBS cases and nine fatalities from the infection—five are confirmed deaths while four are suspected cases. Out of the total cases, 183 patients have confirmed positive for GBS. A total of 139 persons have been discharged, 39 are in the ICU and 18 on ventilator support.

“The state health team is working closely with local, divisional and municipal corporations and other departments of water supply and animal husbandry,” Dr Vinayak told The Indian Express. The Indian Council of Medical Research- National Institute of Virology has tested 155 samples and analysis is underway. The campylobacter jejuni and noro virus have been found in many samples.

“We are monioring the case trend and a rigorous surveillance has been undertaken. Among the patients with GBS, we found that 34 per cent had prior history of loose motions, diarrhoea and 14 per cent had symptoms of acute respiratory illness. Close to 49 per cent had not reported any prior symptoms,” said Dr Vinayak.

On hospital preparedness, Dr Vinayak added that there are 2,168 ICU beds, 1,356 ventilators and 1,416 intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) vials . The Food and Drug Administration has also inspected more than 50 places.

The state health secretary added that GBS is a rare neurological disorder and the autoimmune reactions can occur four to six weeks after an illness. He pointed out that as per scientific literature, it is often difficult to pinpoint the trigger in 40 per cent of the GBS cases.

Dr Vinayak also referred to the poultry link to GBS cases and said bio-security measures have to be ensured by poultry farms. “Biosecurity measures have to be ensured as C.jejuni bacteria are known to be present in poultry without causing infection. The animal husbandry department has been advised to consults veterinarians,” Dr Vinayak added.

Eye on poultry farms

Officials from the animal husbandry department visited 11 poultry farms located around the Khadkwasala dam. A total of 106 samples of cloacal swab (89)and poultry faeces (17) were submitted to the National Institute of Virology. A total of 24 samples tested positive for C.jejuni bacteria. Five samples were positive for norovirus from one farm. Meanwhile, 26 water samples (from the farms) tested negative for C. jejuni

Out of the 11 farms, six belong to a single group specializing in rearing layers, while the remaining five are owned by individual poultry farmers who rear broilers. The group farms have maintained biosecurity and two farms have their own sewage treatment facility. Other farms also have litter disposal pits. Litter produced is sold as manure for farming as organic fertilizer.

Individual broiler poultry farmers rear their birds using the deep-litter system, following an “all-in, all-out” approach. After approximately 45 days, the entire batch is sold as manure. Following proper disinfection, a new batch is introduced.

The visiting team found no evidence of spills or drainage from these farms reaching the Khadakwasla dam. Officers from the animal husbandry department in nearby institutes have been advised to carry out a special disinfection activity on these farms within the next two days.