Hyderabad: Health experts have clarified that Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is not a contagious disease and has been known for over a century. The condition, which affects the nervous system, is rare and not caused by a new virus.
Dr. Pratibha Lakshmi, a member of the Telangana Medical Council, explained that GBS was first identified 110 years ago. “It generally affects two out of every one lakh people,” she said. “In Telangana, around 800 cases are reported annually. We have been familiar with GBS cases even during our medical studies.”
Discussing the symptoms and causes of GBS, Dr. Lakshmi stated that the syndrome occurs when the immune system, while fighting an infection, mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells. “This can happen with various viruses, some bacteria, and, in rare cases, certain vaccines,” she explained. She also cited a recent incident in Pune, where food poisoning caused by the Campylobacter Jejuni bacteria led to 130 cases of GBS, including one death.
Dr. Lakshmi emphasized that GBS symptoms typically appear four to eight weeks after an infection. Common symptoms include weakness in the hands and legs, numbness, difficulty in standing or walking, and trouble swallowing. She stressed the importance of early treatment, as advanced cases can be difficult to treat. However, she reassured the public that GBS is a rare condition and there is no need for panic.
Adding to this, senior pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh reiterated that GBS is not contagious. She criticized the unnecessary alarm caused by isolated cases being reported as breaking news. “If there is a cluster of cases in a specific area, it should be reported, but highlighting sporadic cases only creates fear,” said Dr. Santosh.
Experts urge people to stay informed and consult a doctor if symptoms appear, but they emphasize that there is no reason for widespread concern.
