Guillain Barre Syndrome: Is it contagious, treatable? Must-know myths vs facts

A 41-year-old chartered accountant from Pune was confirmed as the first fatality in the ongoing Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in the city, as per reports from the Maharashtra health department. The department had previously indicated that a patient who died in a Solapur hospital on January 25 was "suspected" to have contracted the rare but treatable infection. 

"It's a confirmed GBS case," stated state health minister Prakash Abitkar during a press briefing.

What Is Guillain Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness that typically begins in the legs and can progress upwards, potentially causing paralysis and breathing difficulties. It is often triggered by a bacterial or viral infection. In individuals with GBS, the immune system targets healthy nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness, and in some cases, paralysis or even death.

According to the WHO, infection with the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, which causes gastroenteritis with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, is one of the most common risk factors for GBS. The condition can also develop following viral infections, including the flu, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and the Zika virus.

"Norovirus can trigger GBS, a rare neurological disorder. The virus is responsible for nearly half of all acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks,” Dr Anshu Rohtagi, Senior Neurologist, from a Pune-based hospital, told IANS, citing recent research. 

Also Read: 73 affected with Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Pune: Know all about the fatal nerve disorder

How Did The Outbreak Start in Maharashtra?

“The exact cause is not known behind the sudden rise in GBS cases,” said Avinash Bhondwe, the former president of the Indian Medical Association, Maharashtra, adding that GBS was a post-infective auto-immune disease, as per his statement to DD News.

Drainage water gets mixed with potable water in some affected areas in Pune where water lines and drainage lines run side by side, leading to contamination and causing the spike in GBS cases among other possible reasons, Bhondwe said further to DD News.

Is It Contagious?

As per health experts, even though the symptoms include a number of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, it does not spread from one person to another as it is an autoimmune condition. In this autoimmune disorder, a body’s immune system attacks and damages its own nerves.

Is GBS Treatable?

This syndrome is not curable, however, it is treatable. There is no known cure for GBS, but treatments are available to help alleviate symptoms and reduce the duration of the condition.

What Can Be Done To Avoid The Spread?

As per health experts, citizens should drink thoroughly boiled water and avoid dairy products like cheese, paneer etc as bacteria can grow quickly on them leading to gastrointestinal problems.

Also Read: Your resolution to stay healthy in 2025 may take about 2 months to form  

Myths And Facts

Myth: This autoimmune disease only affects older age people. 
Fact: It can affect anyone of any gender but is most commonly seen among men and adults. 

Myth: It is always fatal and leads to permanent disability.
Fact: If caught early, it can be treated avoiding any permanent damage.

Myth: Vaccinations cause GBS.
Fact: Very little evidence exists of vaccinations causing GBS as per the CDC. However, it cannot be completely ruled out.