With Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases on the rise, a brief overview of the condition, including its causes, symptoms, and other key details...

I've been following the rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases over the past few weeks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening, along with key details about the disease - its causes, symptoms, and what to watch for. Hope this helps. **What is Happening?** * As of mid-February, there have been increased reports of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in India * Number of cases: Maharashtra has reported 207 cases with eight deaths, Andhra Pradesh has reported 17 cases with two deaths **What is GBS?** * GBS is a serious condition that causes weakness and paralysis starting from the lower parts of the body and moving upwards. * It is characterized by a quick onset. It starts in the extremities and moves upwards in the body * Symptoms include numbness, weakness, and loss of reflexes, typically starting about 4 weeks after diarrhea * While most people recover, 5% of cases can be severe, requiring intensive care, and may lead to respiratory or heart complications * It's non-contagious * It is a rare condition Given the last 2 points, there is no reason to panic at all. **Causes?** * GBS is usually triggered by an infection * When we get an infection, the body responds by creating antibodies to fight the infection. In rare cases, antibodies created to fight the infection confuse nerve cells for the bacteria and attack them * While investigation is still ongoing, it has been found that a number of GBS infections (40%+) in India could have been linked to diarrhea * Note that other infections or a mix of bacteria and viruses could also be factors * Possible causes in India include undercooked poultry and contaminated water * Global studies have connected GBS to factors such as the Zika virus **Prevention?** * Individuals should avoid consuming undercooked chicken and ensure food is well-cooked * Consume purified and boiled water * Be cautious about food and water consumed outside the home Note that the government is collecting and testing samples to find a common link among those affected. Thanks to Faye Dsouza for her insightful summary video on this topic, which helped shape the overview above. https://preview.redd.it/1sbu74m5auje1.jpg?width=597&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a72e0d170bf53713a068dbe9eef0ace848f7c7c0