Lok Sabha Question No. 4674 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Rise in Paralysis Cases Mimicking Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4674 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2025

## RISE IN PARALYSIS CASES MIMICKING GUILLAIN-BARRé SYNDROME (GBS)

## 4674. SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY:

## Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware of the recent rise in paralysis cases that mimick Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS), if so, the details thereof along with confirmed cases of GBS after through and proper diagnosis;

(b) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to confirm the diagnosis of such cases and differentiate them from other neurological conditions exhibiting similar symptoms;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to provide adequate treatment, including immunoglobulin therapy for confirmed GBS and if so, the details thereof along with the number of GBS cases recorded so far and the quantity of immunoglobulin supplied to each State, State wise;

(d) the measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure sufficient stock of immunoglobulin for future cases along with the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to expedite treatment in the States reporting higher incidence of GBS like cases; (e) the protocols/mechanism in place to monitor and manage the spread of such cases across the country along with the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to improve early detection and treatment in both rural and urban areas; and

(f) whether the Government is conducting any research/epidemiological studies to investigate the reasons behind the increase in such cases and if so, the key findings?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

- (a) As informed by Government of Maharashtra, 208 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) have been reported. A significant number of patients (192) have successfully undergone treatment and discharged. The GBS cases have shown a declining trend.
- (b) Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is made in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). A comprehensive diagnostic workup is conducted, including blood tests, Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) tests, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) analysis,

and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests. These tests enable accurate diagnosis of GBS and help differentiate it from other neurological conditions that exhibit similar symptoms.

- (c) & (d) Health is a State subject, the responsibility of strengthening of public health care system lies with the respective State/UT Government. As per the information provided by the Government of Maharashtra, the Pune Municipal Corporation has made 1,000 Immunoglobulin injections available for free to support treatment at both government and private hospitals. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has provided 178 IVIG injections free of cost. A sufficient stock of immunoglobulin and ICU beds have been ensured for patient care.
- (e) To check and monitor the future spread of the disease, surveillance mechanism has been established under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP)/Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal, which captures suspected cases. Steps taken by the Government to prevent the spread of GBS is at Annexure.
- (f) Central technical team comprising experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune was deployed on site to study the pathogens and outbreak. Majority of cases have been reported from specific clusters in Pune, with additional cases in Nanded. The study was focused on identifying the exact source of the outbreak, with a thorough examination of water supply systems, sources of water, and other relevant factors. The investigation indicated that the most likely precursor of GBS in this population group is prior infections caused by Campylobacter.

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## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (e) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4674 REGARDING " RISE IN PARALYSIS CASES MIMICKING GUILLAIN-BARRé SYNDROME (GBS)'

Steps taken by the Government to prevent the spread of GBS;

-  Strengthening sanitation and hygiene measures.
-  Efforts are made to ensure an uninterrupted supply of treated and clean water.
-  Water sources are examined for leaks and damages, and corrective measures are taken.
-  Nodal officer have been appointed in private hospitals and chlorination have been done in wells.
-  Tankers of clean water have been arranged.
-  Have conducted massive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to raise awareness at the community level,
-  Designated isolation wards set-up in government hospitals and special packages under PM-JAY scheme have been included for treatment of GBS.
-  Have expanded testing for suspected cases and collaborated with local authorities to contain the spread.
-  household survey conducted with the assistance of health teams comprising Health Workers and ASHAs.