Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), a post infectious neurological disease is spreading across Pune. With over 100 cases identified so far, it is important to know about the preventive measures. A suspected case of death due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has been reported in Solapur.
Campylobacter jejuni, which usually causes stomach infection, triggers the GBS infection, the rare condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.
What causes campylobacter jejuni to grow and infect humans?
Campylobacter jejuni infection usually results from the consumption of contaminated food or water. The major sources are undercooked or raw poultry, unpasteurized milk, and untreated water. Bacteria can be spread through cross-contamination while preparing food by using the same cutting board or utensils to handle raw and cooked foods. Poor hygiene also increases the risk, such as not washing hands after handling raw meat or contact with infected animals. Outbreaks are more common when the area of production lacks proper sanitation or follows improper food safety practices. Bacteria infect the intestinal lining once they have been ingested, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea.
GBS symptoms
GBS symptoms typically begin with weakness, tingling, or numbness in the legs and may progress to the arms and upper body. Severe cases can lead to paralysis. Other symptoms include unsteady walking, difficulty with facial movements (like speaking, chewing, or swallowing), and abnormal heart rate or blood pressure. Some people experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of bladder/bowel control. Symptoms often develop over hours to weeks and require immediate medical attention.
Avoid eating paneer, rice and cheese
Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, MD Medicine, DM Neurology, AIIMS Delhi has shared an informative video on Instagram. She has urged people to avoid eating outside. “One major cause is gastroenteritis due to a bacteria C jejuni. Although there are many other causes, but this is the one that you all should be aware of because this is one cause that we can avoid. Avoid eating out. Avoid contaminated food and water. Take care of yourself immunity too. This illness is best treated within 2 weeks. We have always seen these cases but an outbreak is concerning. Not to panic. Take care of yourself. Now you know how to take care of atleast one cause,” she has captioned the video.
In the video, Dr Sehrawat has advised to avoid eating paneer, rice and cheese as these are more prone to bacteria growth.
Paneer, rice, and cheese are more prone to bacterial growth because they contain a high moisture content and a nutrient-rich composition that bacteria can thrive in. Since paneer and cheese are dairy products, they are also more likely to contain Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli if they are not kept in proper storage. Cooked rice can contain Bacillus cereus, which can produce toxins leading to food poisoning, when it is left at room temperature. These foods are very susceptible in the “danger zone” (40°F-140°F or 4°C-60°C) where bacteria grow rapidly. They should be kept refrigerated and consumed promptly to reduce the likelihood of bacterial contamination and foodborne illness.
Watch the video here:
Mumbai, Jan 26 (IANS) Maharashtra has reported its first death due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after a Pune-based Chartered Accountant succumbed to the disease.
