As we, as students settle into the new semester, Pune is facing an unexpected health scare—a sudden outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with over 120 confirmed cases reported in around three weeks. It does sound scary, and honestly, it is something to be cautious about, especially with concerns about contaminated water being the culprit. But before you start spiraling, take a deep breath, we’ve got all the info you need to understand what GBS is, why it matters, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself.
GBS is a rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system erroneously attacks the peripheral nervous system. GBS is typically caused by infections. Specialists have identified Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) (a bacterium commonly found in contaminated food and water) as the most common infectious agent in this outbreak.Though this may sound serious, taking proper precautions and maintaining good hygiene can help you avoid the risk altogether. However, if an infection does occur, early detection and good medical care ensure that most people recover safely from GBS.
The unforeseen rise of cases in Pune has been connected to probable contamination in water supplies, raising concerns about a “human-made” epidemic. This makes it even more crucial to ensure that you keep yourself informed, dismiss and not stay clear of misinformation, and take the necessary precautions
SYMPTOMS OF GBS TO WATCH OUT FOR
- Tingling or numbness in your hands, feet, or face
- Muscle weakness, especially in your legs
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Trouble with facial movements, like blinking or smiling
- Severe lower back pain
- Rapid heart rate or difficulty breathing (seek immediate medical attention!)
PREVENTION AND STAYING SAFE
Steps to follow:
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Maharashtra health department and reliable news sources. Keeping yourself informed about the latest developments can help you stay ahead. Keep an eye out for any official emails from your respective universities or any related health advisories.
- Be Cautious with Water: Since contaminated water is suspected to be a source, drink only filtered or bottled water. On campus, make sure to use the water dispensers in the hostels and academic blocks, as they are regularly maintained. But for extra caution, boil the water using your kettles. Avoid ice from unknown sources, and be cautious with any kind of raw foods, especially salads and uncooked vegetables that may have been washed in contaminated water.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Use soap and clean water to minimize the risk of infections that could trigger GBS. Carry a hand sanitizer in your bag for when you’re out and about on campus.
- Ensure Safe Food Practices: While campus dining options are generally safe, be extra cautious during this period. For instance, instead of ordering in, opt for hot, freshly prepared meals in the mess. If you do however decide to eat off-campus, choose trusted restaurants with good hygiene practices. Be wary of street food or any food from questionable sources (that means no roadside pani puri from your favorite local street food vendor).
- Monitor Your Health: If you experience symptoms like persistent numbness, weakness, or unusual sensations, don’t disregard them. the earlier the detection, the earlier you can seek medical intervention, which in turn can significantly improve the consequent recovery outcomes. If you have a campus infirmary, it should be equipped to assist with initial checkups and can guide you on the next steps if needed.
- Promote Awareness: Share information with friends, family, and peers to ensure everyone is aware of the risks and preventive measures. Organize small group discussions or awareness drives in your hostel blocks. Knowledge-sharing can play a huge role in preventing the spread of infections linked to GBS.
As students, we’re all part of our respective communities that thrive on knowledge and care. Let’s use both to protect ourselves and each other during this outbreak. GBS might be rare, but with the right information and actions, we can reduce its impact. By staying informed, vigilant, and supportive, we can ensure our campus remains a safe and healthy space for everyone.
Stay safe, stay informed, and remember—prevention starts with awareness.