No new GBS cases found, hospitals urged not to turn down patients

At a meeting with hospital authorities, Pulkundwar said it was vital patients receive comprehensive medical care without facing a tremendous financial burden. When contacted, Pulkundwar said there were no new cases reported and instructions to increase surveillance activities had already been carried out.

GBS is a rare but serious neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. These include treatments like plasma exchange (plasmapheresis)— where the procedure entails reducing nerve damage — and administering intravenous immunoglobulin, which pertains to introducing high doses of healthy antibodies in the body to block the harmful ones.

According to data from the state health department, 111 persons suspected with GBS have been registered as well as one death. Of these cases, 31 have been diagnosed as confirmed GBS cases. There are 20 patients under PMC limits, 66 from the newly added villages in the PMC area, 12 under PCMC limits, five from Pune rural and eight from other districts. Curently, 13 patients are on ventilator support.

Meanwhile, 57 stool samples were sent to NIV Pune. All were tested for enteric virus panel. Seventeen samples have tested positive for Norovirus. Five stool samples were positive for Campylobacter bacteria. Of the 110 water samples from different parts of the city that were sent for chemical and biological analysis to the Public Health Laboratory, samples from 8 water sources were found to be contaminated.

An appeal has also been made to private medical practitioners to notify any GBS patient to respective public health authorities.