Mumbai Reports First Case Of Guillain-Barré Syndrome In 64-Year-Old Woman

Mumbai has reported its first case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) due to a gastrointestinal infection in a 64-year-old patient from Andheri (East). The patient is currently undergoing treatment at SevenHills Hospital.

According to sources in the Health Department, the patient was admitted to the hospital on January 21 after experiencing fever and diarrhoea. The illness has severely impacted her mobility, and a nerve conduction test confirmed the presence of GBS.

“She had a history of diarrhoea 10 days before she was brought to SevenHills Hospital. The diarrhoea lasted for five-six days,” said a doctor from the hospital, who added that she is stable and recovering well.

The BMC’s Executive Health Officer, Dr Daksha Shah, has verified the case, stating that the patient has no travel history to Pune, which has been the epicentre of GBS cases triggered by a gastrointestinal infection caused by contaminated water.

“Even if the Andheri patient developed GBS post-gastrointestinal infection, we need to determine whether it was due to water or food contamination. So far, it appears to be an isolated case,” said a BMC health officer.

As of Thursday, the total number of GBS cases in Maharashtra was 180, with one confirmed death and five suspected deaths. Officials have identified contaminated water carrying Campylobacter jejuni bacteria as the source of India’s worst GBS outbreak, which has resulted in six deaths.

Dr Pratit Samdani, senior physician from Breach Candy Hospital, explained that if GBS occurs in clusters, as seen in Pune, it is often linked to foodborne infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria commonly found in contaminated food and water.

“The incidence of GBS is approximately 2 per 100,000 individuals annually. The condition can develop suddenly, often following an infection – such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection – or, in rare cases, after vaccination,” he said.

In response to the outbreak, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sealed nearly 30 private water supplies in Nanded village, Dhayari, and adjoining areas on Sinhgad Road in Pune city. According to the state health department, Maharashtra has reported 140 confirmed GBS cases, all with a history of diarrhoea. The department has confirmed one death due to GBS, with five additional suspected fatalities.

All about the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Syndrome

GBS is a rare neurological disorder that often begins with weakness or tingling in the legs and can progress to muscle weakness or paralysis. While the exact cause of GBS remains unclear, doctors emphasise that early diagnosis is critical to managing the condition effectively.