Bengaluru: The health department has sounded high alert in two taluks of Uttara Kannada—Yellapur and Haliyal after a few pilgrims, returning from Pandharapur in the neighbouring Maharashtra, complained of sudden illness and hospitalised.
Considering the outbreak of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Maharashtra, the health officials revealed that these could be the suspected cases of GBS and have been kept under observation as they reported diarrhoeal symptoms.
Amid possible outbreak of GBS in Karnataka, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao acknowledged a few cases as well. “But these were not fulminant and there is no evidence of an outbreak till date,” Rao said, while adding that there’s no cause for concern as the health department is fully geared to tackle any emergency. Sources in the health department told TOI that about 30-35 cases of GBS, caused by bacteria Campylobacter jejuni (C.jejuni), were reported in Jan.
Out of the 60-plus pilgrims, who returned from Maharashtra, 18 from Yellapur and 15 from Haliyal taluk have been hospitalised currently and their samples have been sent for further diagnosis. GBS is neurological disorder wherein immune system mistakenly attacks peripheral nerves. Echoing the opinion of the health minister, Dr Suvarna Alladi, professor of neurology at Nimhans, told STOI, “Over the last six months, 90 cases of GBS have been reported from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans). Around 12-20 cases are being reported monthly.”
Sources said a police officer, who contracted GBS, is currently undergoing treatment.
Harsh Gupta, principal secretary, health and family welfare department, Karnataka, said precautionary steps are under way to control any potential spread of the condition in Karnataka. Gupta also said there has been an increase in diarrhoeal cases in the state.
Meanwhile, a national video conference was held Friday evening to assess Karnataka’s readiness to handle potential crisis situations if an outbreak occurs and evaluate preventive steps. The state has heightened its vigilance due to increasing concerns about GBS. Gupta has notified Nimhans that patients can seek reimbursement for GBS treatment expenses through the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme.
Symptoms & treatment
* Physical weakness beginning in the lower limbs and gradually progressing upwards
* Feeling of numbness in hands, feet
* Difficulty with eye movements, speaking, chewing or swallowing
* Severe pain, particularly at night
* Abnormal heart rate or blood pressure or respiratory distress
* Diagnosis involves stool culture for C. jejuni and other enteropathogens
* Treatment for GBS includes IV Immunoglobulin which blocks harmful antibodies from blood, and plasma exchange which helps remove damaging antibodies from the blood
* People generally achieve complete recovery, although the healing process may extend from several weeks to multiple months
* Mortality rate with GBS is only 2-3%
* The diagnostic evaluation includes Electro Neuro Myography and cerebrospinal fluid examination
* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and blood tests are also done to exclude other diseases
Do’s and Don’ts
* Drink clean water, eat well-cooked food
* Clean fruits using sterilised or boiled water
* Good hand hygiene, wash hands prior to eating
* Avoid using shared public toilets
