Daijiworld Media Network – Vijayawada

Vijayawada, Feb 19: Andhra Pradesh recorded its fifth death from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) on Wednesday, as Sheikh Gowhar Jaan, who had been undergoing treatment at Guntur Government General Hospital since February 2, succumbed to the disease.

Earlier, four others, including Renuka Mohanti (63) from Vizianagaram, Sunitha (35) from NTR district, and Kamalamma from Prakasam, lost their lives to suspected GBS in the past six weeks. Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav stated that the state has seen 45 cases in the last 40-50 days, with 17-18 patients currently under treatment.

The minister reassured the public, emphasizing that GBS is not a new disease and that 301 cases were recorded last year across 11 government hospitals. While investigating the reasons for the recent surge, he clarified that the outbreak is not concentrated in a specific area. The health department is actively monitoring the situation, and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, along with top officials, has been reviewing developments in multiple meetings.

Medical teams are coordinating with specialists from other states, and hospitals are being equipped with necessary treatments. The government has already stocked 1,200 Immunoglobulin injections and plans to procure 6,000 more. Officials remain vigilant following a similar rise in cases recently reported in Pune.