GUNTUR: At least five patients diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been admitted to the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Guntur. While the condition of two patients is critical, three are recovering.
Two other patients were discharged after recovering two days ago.
The sudden rise in GBS cases has put the state health department on high alert. Special Chief Secretary MT Krishna Babu rushed to GGH on Friday to assess the situation and inquire about the patients’ health. With GBS cases in Maharashtra resulting in fatalities, the Andhra Pradesh government is taking precautions to prevent any severe outcomes.
The special chief secretary interacted with patients and doctors at GGH. He instructed GGH Superintendent Dr. Ramana Yashaswi to ensure an adequate supply of medicines for treating GBS patients. He also directed GMC Principal Dr. NV Sundarachary, a senior neurophysician, to guide the neurology department’s team. Officials have been asked to keep the government informed in case the number of cases rises.
GGH Superintendent Dr. Ramana Yashaswi assured that there is no cause for panic. He emphasized that effective treatment is available if patients seek medical help immediately after experiencing sudden joint pain or paralysis in their hands or feet.
Sources revealed that one patient is from Kurnool, another from Narasaraopet, and three are from Guntur city. The two discharged patients were from different districts. “It is common for GGH to receive GBS cases occasionally, as people from various parts of the state seek treatment here. We do not see this as a sudden trend,” said Dr. Ramana.
He explained that GBS is a rare neurological disorder affecting only 1-2 individuals per lakh annually, and there is no unusual surge in cases. He reassured that GGH has expert medical professionals to provide the best possible treatment. He also clarified that GBS is neither communicable nor infectious. However, following government instructions, a separate ward has been set up to ensure better care for GBS patients.
Dr. Ramana added that the hospital is closely monitoring the patients’ conditions. According to sources, one patient is receiving treatment in the ICU, another is on a ventilator, and three others are recovering in a special ward.
