Guillain-Barré Syndrome in AP: 2 deaths in 10 days; prolonged cramps is a sign, says government

Amaravati: In the last 10 days, a 45-year-old woman and a minor in Andhra Pradesh have died from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune neurological condition, said health minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Monday.

Satya Kumar Yadav stated that Kamalamma died on Sunday at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Guntur, while the 10-year-old died 10 days earlier in a private medical college in Srikakulam.

GBS is not contagious

Special Chief Secretary (Health, Medical, and Family Welfare) MT Krishna Babu said that GBS is not contagious and no one should worry.

He suggested that anyone who has cramps and is unable to walk should immediately come to the government hospitals.

“We are providing treatment to GBS patients through Aarogyasri. We are providing better services to patients. Immunoglobin injections are available at all the GGHs in the state,” he said.

2 in 1 lakh people get affected by GBS

“Currently, there are 17 GBS cases. This is a non-communicable disease with an incidence rate of up to two per one lakh people. This is not a sudden increase in cases; it is regular,” the health minister said.

As many as 267 GBS cases were documented in 2024, with 141 in the first half and 126 in the second.

Noting that 25 cases are reported every month on average, the minister stated that the majority of them may be treated with ordinary care, but some extreme cases will necessitate immunoglobulin injections and admission to the intensive care unit.

What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?

GBS is a post-infection syndrome that typically develops two to six weeks after an infection. It is a rare condition that produces acute numbness and muscle weakness in the limbs, as well as diarrhoea. GBS typically develops after a patient recovers from a severe bout of bacterial or viral infection, which weakens the person’s immunity.

GBS occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling, he added.

Naidu reviews special arrangements for treating GBS

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held a review meeting on Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) with Satya Kumar Yadav and senior Health Department officials at the State Secretariat, Velagapudi.

CM Naidu directed officials to make special arrangements for treating Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) patients. He appealed to people to boil water before drinking as GBS can follow infections from consuming contaminated water or uncooked meat.