Why is Guillain-Barré Syndrome spreading in Pune? How to stay safe?
![2154687675 Many adults and children also report residual muscle weakness issues even after years, and it can make you unexpectedly weak. Photo: iStock/Md Saiful Islam Khan](https://img.onmanorama.com/content/dam/mm/en/lifestyle/health/images/2025/1/24/guillian-barre-syndrome.jpg?w=1120&h=583)
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A rare neurological disorder named Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), in which a person's immune system attacks their own nervous system, has been getting reported from Pune for the past few days. As per the latest news updates, one patient has succumbed to the ailment, and 13 patients are also on ventilator support due to GBS. While the patient who lost her life is known to have had co-morbidities like hypertension, the National Institute of Virology (NIV) recently said it had found the presence of norovirus and campylobacter jejuni bacteria in the samples of 21 patients.
Norovirus often spreads to humans through contaminated food, water, infected surfaces or contact with an infected person. Meanwhile, campylobacter jejuni enters our bodies through undercooked food, polluted water, and contact with someone already affected by the bacteria. Both infections trigger similar symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea. Pune authorities plan to conduct a super chlorination drive in water bodies and tanks to reduce the bacterial and viral load.
How to stay safe from Guillain Barre Syndrome
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the syndrome is not preventable, but its risks can be averted by staying fit and hygienic. Here are a few tips for the same:
1) Eat healthy and keep away from snacks
2) Workout regularly to boost your immune system
3) Wash hands properly
4) Check whether you have taken all vaccines
5) Disinfect all surfaces you are likely to touch.
6) Stay away from those who are unwell.
What to do if you get infected?
Be aware that the recovery from the disease can be slow and take months. Many adults and children also report residual muscle weakness issues even after years, and it can make you unexpectedly weak. At the same time, depending on your fitness, you can start recovering in two to three weeks. Take timely help from your healthcare system and follow the authorities' guidance without fail. At the same time, the Cleveland Clinic also suggests taking the help of a mental health professional to ensure that the condition doesn't distress you.
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