Mumbai has reported its Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Subhash Dete, 53, who was suffering from the syndrome was hospitalised in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) run Nair Hospital, where he passed away on Monday late at night. “The patient was admitted on January 23. He passed away on February 10 at 11.10 pm,” Dr Shailesh Mohite, Dean of Nair Hospital told the FPJ. With this, the total number of deaths in the state due to the GBS virus has reached eight.
Dete worked as a ward boy at BMC-run V N Desai Hospital in Santacruz. He was a resident of Wadala and admitted himself to Nair Hospital after suffering from severe weakness in his legs. “The patient had no previous symptoms of fever or diarrhoea, however, had high blood pressure. The patient had gone to Pune 16 days before being admitted to the hospital,” a statement released by BMC said. “The patient was diagnosed with GBS and was in critical condition. He was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit due to respiratory distress and was put on a ventilator,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a 16-year-old girl, who was also diagnosed with GBS has been admitted to Nair Hospital. “The girl is under treatment and is in stable condition,” Dr Mohite said. Officials said that the minor patient hails from Palghar and was suffering from fever initially, later she was diagnosed with GBS, however, her condition is improving.
Mumbai has till now reported at least three GBS patients. Last week, a 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with the syndrome and was admitted to Seven Hills Hospital in Bandra. “The female patient is in stable condition and will be discharged soon,” Dr Daksha Shah, BMC’s Executive Health Officer said.
“Mumbaikars do not need to panic. This is not an outbreak but are isolated cases. Neither there is a surge in GBS cases in Mumbai. GBS is not a new virus. People can get affected by the virus, but the percentage is very low. Several people get affected as it is also an auto-immune disease. However, people with co-morbidities get affected by the syndrome more,” Dr Shah said.
“If anyone suffers from sudden weakness, paralysis in legs or arms, diarrhoea (long duration) and fever should see the doctors. All municipal hospitals and medical colleges in Mumbai are equipped to treat Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Medicines, equipment and expert manpower are available for the treatment of patients,” Shah said.
The statement released by the BMC’s health department said, “GBS is not a new disease, it has been known for many years. Although it is not an infectious disease, it can sometimes develop after a bacterial or viral infection. GBS is a disease that occurs throughout the year. Generally, one in a lakh people suffer from this disease. Thus, every month some GBS patients come for treatment in medical colleges and hospitals, including in Mumbai.”
The surge of GBS virus is primarily seen in Maharashtra’s Pune district. As per the state health department till February 11, a total of 192 people have been suspected to have contracted Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). A total of 172 GBS cases have been confirmed and a total of seven deaths have been reported so far due to the disease.
Most cases are from Pune and surrounding areas.
