3 new Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases reported in Pune, total increases to 173

Three new suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome were reported in Maharashta’s Pune on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases detected in the region to 173, ANI reported.

Of the total number of cases detected, 140 were diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, the news agency reported, citing a statement from the health department.

“A total of six deaths have occurred,” the statement read. “Of these, one death was confirmed as GBS [Guillain-Barré Syndrome] and five suspected deaths were reported.”

The statement also said that 72 patients have been discharged after treatment in the current outbreak. “Fifty-five are in ICU [Intensive Care Unit] and 22 are on ventilator,” it added.

Teams from the World Health Organization have been providing technical expertise and on-ground field support to the authorities in the region, The Hindu reported quoting unidentified health department officials.

The officials added that the teams have been guiding healthcare workers in searching for active cases in the community and helping medical staff treat suspected patients.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. This causes symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty in walking and, in severe cases, paralysis. The condition is not contagious and the authorities have reassured the public that it cannot lead to an epidemic or a pandemic.

On Thursday, the…

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