A 17-year-old girl succumbed to suspected Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) at Pratiksha Hospital in Guwahati, medical officials confirmed on Saturday. However, an official confirmation from the state health department is still awaited to determine whether this is the season’s first fatality from the condition in the state.
According to hospital sources, the teenage patient was admitted on January 21 with symptoms of GBS and had a history of diarrhea a week prior. She was placed on ventilator support for 11 days but succumbed to the illness on January 31.
Understanding GBS: A Rare but Serious Condition
Medical experts describe Guillain-Barre Syndrome GBS as a rare but treatable neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to weakness in the limbs, neck, face, and eyes. Patients may experience tingling, numbness, difficulty walking, swallowing, or breathing in severe cases.
“The exact cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome GBS often remains inconclusive, but it is known to follow certain infections, including viral and bacterial illnesses like Campylobacter jejuni, CMV, and EBV,” a health specialist explained.
The condition can progress rapidly over four weeks, with some patients requiring ICU admission and ventilatory support. Treatments typically include IVIg injections or plasma exchange, a procedure similar to dialysis.
Family’s Attempt to Shift Patient to Delhi Fails
The deceased teenager’s family originally hails from Bihar but has been residing in Assam for some time. Her father is a central government employee.
A hospital official revealed that the girl’s parents were making arrangements to shift her to Delhi for advanced treatment via air ambulance. However, due to her deteriorating health, the transfer was not possible, and she passed away on Friday.
Authorities are now awaiting an official statement from the state health department regarding the case.
