GBS Outbreak in Neemuch: Madhya Pradesh Steps Up Surveillance and Medical Response

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak Triggers Health Alert in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch District

Health authorities in western Madhya Pradesh have intensified surveillance and medical response after a sudden cluster of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases emerged in Neemuch district, particularly in the border town of Manasa. The outbreak, which has claimed the lives of two children, has raised concerns about early detection, cross-district spread, and public health preparedness in adjoining regions of Rajasthan.

Emergence of Cases and Geographic Spread

The outbreak came to light in the second week of January after two boys aged 7 and 15 years died within a span of three days in Manasa. Subsequent investigations identified 13 additional confirmed cases , taking the total to 15 affected individuals so far.

Of these:

• 11 patients are below 18 years of age

• 2 adults are aged 31 and 60 years

• 12 cases are from Manasa town

• 1 case has been reported from Neemuch city

A suspected case in neighbouring Mandsaur district has further heightened concerns of regional transmission.

Medical Response and Treatment Status

Among the 13 patients currently under medical care:

• 5 have recovered and been discharged

• 5 are being treated in Indore at MY Hospital and Bombay Hospital

• 3 patients are admitted in Jaipur and Udaipur for specialised neurological care

The Madhya Pradesh government has assured full financial coverage for treatment , including the availability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) , the standard therapy used in GBS to suppress immune-mediated nerve damage.

Surveillance, Testing and Expert Monitoring

The situation is being closely monitored by teams from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme along with the World Health Organization . Extensive field surveys are underway focusing on:

• Drinking water sources

• Poultry and food supply chains

• Environmental and sanitation conditions

So far, over 30,000 residents from more than 5,000 families in Manasa have been screened. Clinical and environmental samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology , AIIMS Bhopal , and specialised laboratories in Hyderabad for advanced diagnostic analysis.

Clinical Features and Public Health Measures

GBS typically presents with sudden onset of muscle weakness , tingling or numbness in limbs, and can progress rapidly to breathing or swallowing difficulties in severe cases. Early hospitalisation is critical to prevent complications such as respiratory failure.