Hygiene Crisis

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The GBS outbreak in Pune, caused by a bacterial infection, exposes the vulnerabilities of urban sanitation and public health systems.

The Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Pune has over 100 suspected cases, traced to the Campylobacter jejuni bacterium found in contaminated food and water. Patients reported gastroenteritis, vomiting, and diarrhea before experiencing paralysis. One death has been recorded. The outbreak highlights weak urban hygiene systems, where lapses in maintenance and surveillance allow pathogens to spread.

GBS is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that attacks the peripheral nervous system, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. It can be triggered by viral or bacterial infections. The WHO estimates an incidence rate of 1-2 per 1,00,000 people globally, with adult males being more affected. Large-scale epidemiological studies on GBS in India are scarce, but a 1993 WHO report estimated 138 annual cases in seven major hospitals, with most cases occurring in adults. Seasonal variations may contribute to increased cases, making this possibly India’s worst recorded outbreak.

Treatment includes plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, with better outcomes if started within two weeks of symptom onset. Pune’s health teams are collecting water samples and monitoring the community, while a central team is assisting affected areas. Ensuring early diagnosis and treatment is critical. Authorities must provide clean drinking water and enforce strict sanitation measures to prevent future outbreaks.