PMC starts surveillance for GBS; experts to probe cause

EXPERTS SAY GBS IS A CONDITION IN WHICH THE BODY'S IMMUNE SYSTEM ATTACKS THE NERVES. IT CAN CAUSE WEAKNESS, NUMBNESS OR PARALYSIS

- Vicky Pathare

PUNE: A day after 24 suspected cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) were reported to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the civic health department on Tuesday initiated surveillance across the Sinhagad Road area from where these cases were reported.

Furthermore, the public health department has constituted a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to investigate the reason behind the sudden increase in suspected GBS cases in Pune.

GBS is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis. The initial symptoms include weakness and tingling in the hands and feet. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. The cause of GBS is not fully understood, but most cases follow a viral or bacterial infection.