Over the past two months, SMS (Sawai Man Singh) Hospital has recorded 29 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), resulting in two fatalities. This sudden rise in cases has led the health department to issue alerts to closely monitor potential outbreaks.
Hospital officials confirmed that all affected patients received necessary medical attention, with those in critical condition being admitted to intensive care. Among the 29 cases, four required ICU care—two of whom recovered, while the other two succumbed to the illness.
Dr. Sunil Mahawar, the nodal officer for seasonal diseases, explained, “During January and February, we admitted 29 GBS patients, including four in the ICU. Out of these, two survived, while unfortunately, two passed away.”
He further clarified that the early signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome often include vomiting and diarrhea, but the neurological symptoms of the condition typically appear 10 to 15 days after the initial illness subsides. While not all instances of vomiting and diarrhea indicate GBS, sporadic cases may be linked. “People shouldn’t panic if they experience these symptoms, as the chances of developing GBS remain rare,” he reassured.
Hospital investigations identified Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria commonly found in undercooked poultry, contaminated water, and unpasteurized milk, as a potential cause of GBS in the reported cases.
