Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji
Panaji, Jan 29: Goa Medical College (GMC) dean, Prof Dr Shivanand Bandekar, has assured the public that Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) does not pose a serious health threat in Goa, urging people not to panic.
“The situation in Goa is not alarming, but GBS is endemic in Pune,” Dr Bandekar stated. He explained that GBS typically begins with diarrhea and gradually leads to paralysis affecting the lower limbs, abdomen, diaphragm, breathing muscles, and upper limbs.
The most critical complication is respiratory paralysis, which requires intensive monitoring and, in severe cases, ICU ventilator support.
Dr Bandekar referred to GBS as "adult polio", attributing its cause to a viral infection. He emphasized that good personal hygiene is essential in preventing the illness, particularly in regions where it is endemic.
“Wash your hands before eating and maintain proper hygiene. GMC reports only one or two isolated cases of GBS each month, with no regional clusters in Goa,” he noted.
Although no vaccine exists for GBS, plasmapheresis, an advanced therapy introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has proven effective in treating GBS patients.
Dr Bandekar reiterated that there is no cause for concern in Goa, despite GBS remaining a health issue in areas like Pune.