What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome? Maharashtra Confirms 100+ Cases and 1 Death
With one death reported in Solapur, the Maharashtra health authority acknowledged on Sunday that there are now more than 100 Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune. According to preliminary indications, the deceased might have gotten infected in Pune before going to Solapur. There were 28 new cases reported, increasing the total to 101.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune neurological illness in which the body’s immune system destroys peripheral nerves causing muscle weakness that can develop to paralysis. It can occur over a few days or several weeks. People of all ages can be affected, however it is more prevalent in adults and men.
Causes:
Campylobacter jejuni which typically causes stomach infections is a rare illness in which the immune system assaults neurons. In most cases, Campylobacter jejuni infection is caused by consuming contaminated food or water. The most common sources are undercooked or raw poultry, unpasteurised milk and untreated water.
Bacteria can spread through cross-contamination when raw and cooked meals are handled with the same cutting board or utensils. Poor hygiene such as not washing hands after handling raw meat or coming into contact with diseased animals, increases the risk.
Outbreaks are more prevalent when the production region lacks sufficient cleanliness or uses poor food safety measures. Bacteria invade the intestinal lining after ingestion causing symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pains, fever and nausea.
GBS Symptoms:
Usually starting with numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs, GBS symptoms can spread to the arms and upper torso. In severe cases paralysis may result. Unsteady walking, trouble with facial motions (such as speaking, chewing or swallowing) and irregular blood pressure or heart rate are other symptoms.
Some suffer from excruciating pain, trouble breathing or loss of control over their bowels and bladder. Symptoms need to be treated right away and frequently take hours to weeks to show up.
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