A 56-year-old woman from Sinhagad Road in Pune has died due to suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), making her the second such death in the state. She was undergoing treatment at Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) when she passed away on January 28. The woman had been experiencing symptoms of tingling and weakness in her limbs since January 15 and was initially treated at a private facility before being admitted to SGH on January 17.
The immediate cause of death was respiratory failure with quadriplegia and autonomic dysfunction, with GBS identified as the primary cause. Contributing factors included a lower respiratory tract infection and sepsis. Dr. Nina Borade, Pune Municipal Corporation’s health chief, confirmed the case as suspected GBS, noting the patient had a history of oral cancer surgery and had traveled to Gorhe Budruk before her symptoms developed.
This follows a similar case in which a 40-year-old man from Solapur died on January 25 after reporting gastrointestinal issues.
Additionally, the health department reported 16 new suspected GBS cases in Pune district on Wednesday, with a total of 72 confirmed cases. A majority of the cases have been reported from areas along Sinhagad Road, including Kirkatwadi and Nanded City. Health authorities are investigating the possible role of water contamination, with a team from the Central Health Ministry inspecting local water sources. Water and stool samples have been sent for testing, and preliminary results indicate the presence of Norovirus, Campylobacter, and Epstein-Barr virus.
Currently, 127 patients are undergoing treatment across Pune district, with 20 requiring ventilator support.