A 40-year-old man from Solapur district has become Maharashtra’s first suspected fatality due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its peripheral nerves. The patient, who was visiting his village, initially experienced symptoms of cold, cough, and breathing difficulties. Despite being admitted to a private hospital and showing initial improvement, his condition deteriorated, leading to paralysis in his limbs and eventual death. A post-mortem and clinical analysis have preliminarily identified GBS as the cause of death, with further confirmation awaited through cerebrospinal fluid and blood tests.

Meanwhile, the total number of GBS cases in Pune continues to rise, reaching 101, with 16 patients currently on ventilator support. The majority of cases—68 males and 33 females—have been reported from affected areas like Sinhgad Road. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Rapid Response Teams (RRT) have surveyed over 25,000 households across urban, rural, and Chinchwad regions in their ongoing efforts to monitor and control the outbreak. Surveillance and investigations remain in full swing to identify potential causes, as GBS is often triggered by prior viral or bacterial infections.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition affecting approximately 1 to 2 individuals per 100,000 people annually. It causes muscle weakness that can escalate to paralysis, with symptoms typically developing over days or weeks. While its exact cause remains unclear, it is more common in males and adults. The Union Health Ministry has deployed a team to assess the situation in Pune, and detailed microbiological and histopathological reports on the suspected fatality are expected in the coming days.