Hyderabad is witnessing its first suspected case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as health authorities report the admission of a woman from Siddipet. Currently, the patient is in a private hospital where she is being treated for severe symptoms, including extreme muscle weakness and diarrhea, which are characteristic of this rare neurological disorder.
Reported on January 31, 2025, the woman is described as being in a critically serious condition and is on ventilator support to aid her respiratory function. This alarming case emerges amid troubling reports of rising GBS cases highlighted recently from Maharashtra, especially Pune, where about 130 suspected cases have surfaced.
Consultant neurologists at KIMS Hospital have stated, "Despite the high prevalence of this disease in Pune, Maharashtra, the patient has no history of travel to Pune, nor does anyone in her family have a history of this condition. The GBS occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own nervous system after fever or loose motions." This detail is significant as it potentially distinguishes this case from the many others linked to the Pune region.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome, though rare, can develop post-infection, typically presenting two to six weeks after the initial illness. Its symptoms can escalate rapidly, potentially leading to full-body paralysis and respiratory failure, necessitating intensive care support, including ventilators for those severely affected.
While the situation is being monitored closely by local health officials, it remains to be seen whether the suspected case in Hyderabad is linked to the larger outbreak reported from Maharashtra. There, contaminated food and water sources have been implicated, with local authorities suspecting Campylobacter jejuni bacteria as the primary agent behind the increase of GBS cases.
Adding to the urgency of the situation, it was noted earlier this month how the GBS cases seem to be disproportionately affecting populations, especially young individuals and those recovering from prior bacterial infections. Health authorities urge the public not to panic, emphasizing, as stated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), "GBS is prevalent in both pediatric and young-age groups, it will not cause or lead to an epidemic or pandemic. Most of the patients recover fully after treatment." This statement offers some reassurance to the community and those potentially affected.
Though the Hyderabad case appears unique for its geographical details, it emphasizes the need for vigilance, timely treatment, and thorough public health monitoring as medical professionals work to confirm the diagnosis and implement treatment plans. With health officials on high alert, the community watches closely as updates about the patient’s condition and neurological evaluations continue to emerge.
With the rise of suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases across states, it becomes all the more important to raise awareness about the condition and stay informed, especially for those who may experience symptoms following any recent infections.