Two people have died following an outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Manasa town of Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch district, prompting state authorities to intensify surveillance, treatment and containment measures.
More than a dozen GBS cases have been identified in Manasa, a town with a population of around 35,000. The first cases were detected on January 12, with patients requiring advanced care referred to hospitals in Jaipur and Ahmedabad. Of the 14 confirmed cases so far, two patients succumbed to the illness, while two others who were earlier on life support are now reported to be stable.
In response, the state government has ordered the establishment of a control room in Manasa and the creation of a dedicated ward for GBS patients at the local government hospital. Additional measures include deployment of ambulances equipped with life-saving facilities and ensuring adequate availability of medicines and injections. The cost of treatment is being borne by the state.
Health authorities have also launched door-to-door surveys to identify new cases and monitor symptoms among residents. Awareness campaigns are underway to educate the public on preventive precautions, particularly around food and water hygiene.
GBS is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to symptoms such as numbness, muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, difficulty in breathing or swallowing. The condition is sometimes associated with infections linked to undercooked poultry, unpasteurised dairy products, or water contaminated with sewage.
Officials have highlighted that the exact cause of the outbreak has not yet been determined. Preliminary testing of samples from the local water purification plant and other sites has not indicated contamination.
Blood serum samples from patients, along with food and environmental samples, have been sent to specialised laboratories in Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune for detailed analysis.
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