Mumbai records first fatality from GBS virus; Central key guidelines to curb outbreak

Mumbai: Mumbai has reported its first fatality due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. The deceased, a 53-year-old ward boy from V.N. Desai Hospital, succumbed after a prolonged illness, marking the city's initial death from this condition. This brings Maharashtra's total suspected GBS-related deaths to eight, with Pune district being the most affected. 

Central Government's Guidelines to Control the Outbreak

In response to the rising GBS cases, the Central Government has issued directives to manage and contain the outbreak:

Enhanced Surveillance: Health authorities are conducting intensified surveillance, including house-to-house checks in affected areas, to identify potential GBS cases early. 
 

Public Health Advisory: Citizens are advised to maintain strict personal hygiene, consume only boiled water, and ensure food safety by not storing cooked and uncooked food together. These measures aim to prevent infections that could trigger GBS. 
 

Healthcare Preparedness: Hospitals have been instructed to prepare for potential GBS cases by ensuring the availability of necessary medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel. In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has allocated 60 ICU beds with ventilators across major hospitals and can arrange an additional 100 ICU beds at Seven Hills Hospital if needed. 
 

Public Awareness: The government emphasizes that GBS is not contagious and urges individuals not to panic. However, if symptoms such as sudden weakness in the limbs, difficulty walking, or prolonged diarrhea occur, individuals should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest government hospital. These guidelines are part of a comprehensive effort to manage the GBS outbreak and ensure public safety