Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak In Pune 2025: Know How It Affects Children

127 suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been reported from Maharashtra by far, sparking widespread fear and concern across the country. This rare and debilitating disease can progress at a very fast pace and in severe cases, can prove to be life-threatening as well. GBS can affect people of all age groups, even small children. Read this blog to learn how GBS affects children and how you can protect your little ones from it. 

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome or GBS is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s natural defense system mistakes healthy cells and tissues as a threat and starts attacking them. In GBS, it specifically targets the peripheral nerves, which are found outside the brain and spinal cord. 

According to the WHO, “GBS has become the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children.” This is a clinical syndrome characterized by rapid muscle weakness and paralysis in the arms and legs

What Causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

The exact cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome is not known. It is caused by an infection that triggers an autoimmune response resulting in severe damage to the nerve fibres. In mild cases, it only affects the outer layer of the nerves, whereas in extreme cases, it can even damage the core of the nerves, causing debilitating and permanent damage. 

In Maharashtra, the disease is believed to be spread by contaminated water. Prakashrao Abitkar, Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare Maharashtra, during his visit to Pune, highlighted that most of the patients are from the same area and do not have a water treatment plant, which drew attention to the possibility of the outbreak being linked to contaminated water intake.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Symptoms In Children

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is characterized by weakness in the child’s muscles that progresses within the span of 1 week to 3 weeks. This may last for a couple of months after which improvement may be seen in some cases. 

“Children with Guillain-Barré Syndrome will have muscle weakness which may lead to paralysis in some cases” suggests Paediatrician, Dr. Janardhan Reddy. 

He further added that “Symptoms of GBS include weakness in lower limbs which will gradually spread to the upper body parts. The weakness will reach respiratory and facial muscles as well. There will be difficulty in walking ,going up the stairs, severe fatigue and in some cases breathing difficulty, swallowing difficulty, will be there and paralysis can be there in certain cases. 

The symptoms are usually preceded  by a prodrome of diarrhoea or  fever cough cold which occurs 1-4 weeks before the illness.”

Dr. Janardhan also emphasized on the importance of seeking immediate medical attention “when the child complains of muscle weakness, numbness in hands or legs, unable to walk, unable to climb stairs, any breathing problem, and disproportionate tiredness.”

Prevention Of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

With cases of GBS on the rise, it is important to take necessary precautions to lower the spread and protect ourselves and our children from this serious condition.

“There are certain things which may indirectly help in containing the spread of GBS. Regular hand washing, maintaining hygiene, drinking filtered water, and avoiding contaminated food. These small steps may help in reducing the prevalence of GBS.” says Dr Janardhan

Treatment Of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Talking about the treatment, Dr Janardhan told us “As GBS may prove to be potentially serious, immediate medical attention is required. The child may have to be hospitalized. Children may need assisted ventilation if required. Antibodies in the body may have to be removed through a medical procedure called plasma exchange. 

Sometimes doctors may also recommend intravenous immunoglobulin to help with the condition. 

Other supportive treatments include physiotherapy, intravenous/oral medications, and continuous monitoring of vitals. “