Kolkata: An unusual rise in cases of a rare disease has been reported from Kolkata.
As per a report in the Times of India, Kolkata’s Institute of Child Health (ICH) has reported a concerning increase in Guillain-Barre (GB) syndrome cases among children. In the past six weeks, the hospital has identified around 10 cases of this rare neurological disorder, which causes body paralysis due to the immune system’s response. Sadly, one child has already succumbed to the disease.
Typically, children’s hospitals see one or two GB syndrome cases in a month, making this cluster of 10 cases within six weeks highly unusual. Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Prabhas Prasun Giri, expressed concern over the sudden rise in GB syndrome cases, stating, “Around 10 cases of GB syndrome in pediatric patients within such a short span of time is not normal. It is a matter of concern. Most of these children experienced paralysis of the respiratory muscles, requiring mechanical ventilation.”
GB syndrome occurs when the nerves are damaged. Without proper medical attention, the condition can rapidly worsen and become fatal. While the exact cause of GB syndrome remains largely unknown, doctors believe it can occur in children three to four weeks after an infection. Last year, Peru declared a health emergency due to a surge in GB syndrome cases.
Professor Mihir Sarkar of Medical College Hospital Kolkata mentioned that they currently have two children with GB syndrome in their Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). He added, “The number of cases in our facility is not yet alarming. Some viral infections and scrub typhus can trigger the condition. We did observe some cases during the COVID-19 pandemic as well.”
GB syndrome typically begins with tingling and weakness in the feet and legs, which then spreads to the upper body. As the condition progresses, the muscle weakness can lead to paralysis. Professor Dilip Pal, principal of Dr BC Roy Post Graduate Institute of Pediatric Sciences, stated, “Although we occasionally encounter GB syndrome cases, we have not seen such a cluster of cases or any deaths in our hospital. Non-polio paralysis, including GB syndrome, can affect approximately one in 100 children below the age of 15. Identifying the condition promptly and providing medical care is crucial for better treatment outcomes.” While most individuals affected by GB syndrome fully recover, some may experience mild weakness for the rest of their lives. The condition is estimated to affect one in every 100,000 individuals in the population.
