First Death Reported from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Pune: Understanding the Rising Cases

KKN Gurugram Desk | A 64-year-old woman from Pimpri has succumbed to the acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) variant of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), marking the first reported death from the neurological condition in Pune. The patient, who was undergoing treatment at Post Graduate Institute-Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH), passed away on Tuesday at 9:45 AM, according to health officials.

The death highlights a suspected surge in GBS cases across the Pune district, with 67 cases of the AMAN variant reported so far. This rise has raised concerns among health experts and government authorities, who are investigating the underlying causes.

What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?

GBS is a rare but serious neurological condition that attacks the peripheral nervous system. It typically causes:

• Weakness in the upper and lower limbs, neck, face, and eyes.
• Tingling or numbness.
• Difficulty in walking, swallowing, or even breathing in severe cases.

The AMAN variant of GBS specifically affects motor nerve fibers, leading to rapid and severe muscle paralysis. The condition can become life-threatening if respiratory muscles are paralyzed, requiring intubation or ventilation support.

Details of the First Reported Death

According to Dr. Pravin Soni, Head of the Medicine Department at YCMH, the woman was initially admitted to Ruby Hall Clinic on November 17, 2025. She presented with fever and loss of strength in her legs, which worsened into respiratory muscle paralysis. On November 19, she was diagnosed with the AMAN variant of GBS, and plasma therapy was initiated.

Due to financial constraints, the patient’s family transferred her to multiple hospitals:

1. DY Patil Hospital (November 24): The patient was intubated and treated for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
2. YCMH (November 29): The patient was shifted to the municipal hospital for further treatment but succumbed to the disease despite efforts.

Surge in GBS Cases in Pune

The first death from GBS comes amid a spike in cases across Pune. So far, 67 cases of the AMAN variant have been reported, distributed as follows:

• 39 cases in Pune Rural.
• 13 cases within Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits.
• 12 cases in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
• 3 outstation cases.

On Thursday, YCMH doctors also identified a 34-year-old male from Pimple Gurav as another confirmed case of the AMAN variant, with two more suspected GBS patients currently under treatment.

Why Are GBS Cases Rising in Pune?

The rise in GBS cases in Pune has been linked to the consumption of contaminated food and water. According to Dr. Babita Kamlapurkar, Joint Director of Health Services, Maharashtra, the key trigger behind this surge is Campylobacter jejuni, a spiral-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium.

What is Campylobacter jejuni?

• Found in the intestines of animals, especially poultry.
• Transmitted to humans through undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, or untreated water.
• Causes campylobacteriosis, a foodborne illness characterized by:
  • Diarrhea (sometimes bloody).
  • Abdominal cramps.
  • Fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Symptoms of Campylobacter jejuni infection typically appear 2-5 days after exposure and last about a week. While mild cases resolve without treatment, severe infections may require antibiotics like azithromycin or ciprofloxacin.

The Connection Between Campylobacter jejuni and GBS

Campylobacter jejuni is a well-documented trigger for GBS. The bacterium can cause the immune system to attack the body’s peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Notably, individuals with underlying conditions or compromised immune systems are at higher risk.

Efforts to Manage and Prevent GBS Cases

Authorities are focusing on early identification and treatment of GBS to minimize complications and fatalities. Key measures being taken include:

1. Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the importance of consuming properly cooked food and clean drinking water.
2. Enhanced Surveillance: Monitoring areas reporting higher GBS cases to identify patterns.
3. Improved Healthcare Access: Ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment for suspected GBS patients.

Dr. Kamlapurkar emphasized, “Our primary aim is to identify cases early and provide the necessary medical support to prevent severe outcomes.”

Preventive Measures to Avoid Campylobacter Infections

The following steps can help reduce the risk of Campylobacter jejuni infection, thereby lowering the chances of GBS:

• Cook all meat, especially poultry, thoroughly.
• Avoid consuming raw or unpasteurized dairy products.
• Drink treated or boiled water.
• Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling raw meat or coming into contact with animals.

What Are the Symptoms of GBS?

Early recognition of GBS symptoms is crucial for timely treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness or tingling in the legs and arms.
• Difficulty in walking or maintaining balance.
• Loss of reflexes.
• Severe cases may involve difficulty in breathing, requiring medical intervention.

Treatment options include plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to manage the immune system’s response.

The first reported death from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Pune highlights the critical need for heightened awareness and early intervention. The rise in GBS cases, linked to Campylobacter jejuni infections from contaminated food and water, underscores the importance of maintaining hygiene and food safety practices.

With 67 cases of the AMAN variant reported so far, Pune’s healthcare authorities are working diligently to manage the outbreak. As the investigation into the recent death continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive public health measures to prevent and manage such neurological conditions effectively.