Health Ministry team to assess Guillain-Barré outbreak in Pune: What are symptoms, how soon can one recover?

Symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea or vomiting. “In some patients, an immune response to the bacteria mistakenly targets nerves, causing GBS within one to three weeks. Approximately one in 1,000 cases of C. jejuni infection leads to GBS, making it a rare but significant complication. It is treatable, not contagious and usually affects adults over 50,” says Pune-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kothari.

What is GBS?

It is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder, brought on by the body’s immune response to bacteria or virus and is seen in patients immediately after a bout of flu infection. Usually, the immune system fights back any alien bacteria or virus when they attack your body but in some people, the same malfunction and mistakenly attack and damage the nervous system with symptoms manifesting mostly in the peripheral nerves.

What are symptoms?

GBS often begins with weakness and tingling in the legs, moves up the torso and can progress to muscle weakness or even paralysis. Common symptoms include difficulty in walking, moving facial muscles — speaking, chewing or swallowing — and problems with coordination and balance. Severe cases may involve breathing difficulty due to chest muscle weakness.

What causes it?

The exact cause is unknown but it is usually triggered by respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Bacterial infections, especially Campylobacter outbreaks, and viral infections, including influenza, COVID-19 and Zika virus are known to trigger it.

Studies have shown that patients with viral infections may be more prone to developing GBS compared to those with dengue or malaria.

What about treatment?

Early intervention, such as intravenous immunoglobulin therapy or plasma exchange, can help manage symptoms and speed up recovery. Some may need respiratory support. Additionally, physical therapy and rehabilitation can improve outcomes for GBS patients by helping them regain independence. About 80 per cent of patients with severe disease can walk by six months.

Hospitalisation is required when there is severe disability or when patients need to be observed, preventing worsening of the condition.

How soon can patients recover from GBS?

The recovery period can vary depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms. It usually starts within two to four weeks of symptom onset. While some patients may start to see improvements within a few weeks, others may require a longer and more gradual recovery process that takes several months or even years.

When to seek medical help

Sudden weakness in the legs or arms. Difficulty walking or numbness, persistent diarrhoea, especially with discharge of blood.

What you can do to protect yourself

Boil water before drinking. Use bottled water if unsure. Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Cook poultry and meat properly (internal temperature should reach at least 75°C). Avoid raw or undercooked food, especially eggs and seafood. Wash hands with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet. Avoid sharing utensils or food during the outbreak. Keep raw and cooked foods separate. Disinfect kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw foods.