Assam has reported the first Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) death. The death toll in Maharashtra due to the diseases has climbed to five with 149 reported cases.
Be that as it may, it is learnt that Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of their peripheral nervous system. This harm causes muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis leaving the person unable to breathe on their own.
To prevent the disease, personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, is very important. It is also clear that the initial cases of GBS were confirmed to be infected with bacteria.
It is almost certain that contaminated water supply acted as the medium for the spread of the bacteria. Prevention measures include drinking only boiled/purified water, ensuring food is always fresh and cooked properly and maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation.
There may not be any suspected cases reported in Goa thus far. But things cannot be taken lightly. Checks on food outlets with regards to hygiene need to be intensified.
Street food vendors need to come under the scanner. Awareness needs to be created among the citizens with regards to the severity of the diseases and precautions that need to be taken to prevent contracting it.
