India Experiences Surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases Amid Health Concerns

Tue Oct 21 2025 15:22:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

An outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Pune has raised alarms, with around 160 reported cases linked to contaminated water and undercooked poultry.

In Pune, India, an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has emerged, with officials linking approximately 160 cases to a specific strain of Campylobacter jejuni. The syndrome, which can lead to severe paralysis, has affected many, necessitating intensive care for some patients. Health authorities are responding with public health advisories and monitoring efforts.

In Pune, India, health authorities are grappling with an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder that attacks the immune system and causes paralysis. The alarming situation began last month when a school teacher noticed her six-year-old son's difficulty holding a pencil, a symptom she initially attributed to anger over homework. However, it soon revealed a more serious condition as he quickly deteriorated into intensive care, unable to perform basic functions like moving or speaking, ultimately requiring ventilator support. Thankfully, he is now on the mend.

Since early January, over 160 cases of GBS have been reported in Pune, with five suspected fatalities and nearly fifty patients currently in intensive care, including 21 on ventilators. GBS commonly manifests through numbness and muscle weakness that can escalate over a short period. The mortality rate varies widely, depending on health care quality, with estimates ranging from 3% to 13%.

Investigations indicate that the outbreak stems from a pathogen known as Campylobacter jejuni, primarily associated with poultry and contaminated water. This pathogen had previously triggered GBS outbreaks in various regions globally, with a significant example in Peru this year leading the government to declare a national health emergency.

In India, studies have shown that GBS cases linked to Campylobacter are not unprecedented. Researchers had identified this connection from previous cases dating from 2014 to 2019. Notably, while GBS can be triggered by various factors, the link to contaminated food and water remains prominent. Experts warn that only a small fraction of Campylobacter strains pose a GBS risk, marking the outbreak as a crucial public health concern.

To mitigate the risk, health officials in Pune have intensified monitoring efforts, conducting extensive checks in over 60,000 households, collecting water samples, and promoting sanitary practices such as boiling water and consuming fresh food. Despite reassurances from health authorities for public calm, the rising number of GBS cases alongside uncertainties related to infection sources shrouds Pune in concern.