Why in News? 

Pune has witnessed a surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases, resulting in one fatality and 17 patients requiring ventilator support. A central expert team has been deployed, and a 45-bed special ward has been established at Kamala Nehru Hospital. 

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) 

Overview 

• A serious autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. 
• Symptoms include weakness, tingling, and numbness in limbs, which may progress to paralysis lasting 6–12 months or longer. 
• Impacts nerves responsible for muscle movement, pain, temperature and touch sensations. 
• More common in adults and males but can affect individuals of all ages. 

 Causes 

• The exact cause is unknown but often follows a bacterial or viral infection. 
• In rare cases, vaccinations or surgery may slightly increase the risk, though the likelihood is very low. 
• Studies show the risk of GBS is higher from infections like the flu than from vaccines. 

 Treatment 

• Procedures like plasmapheresis (removal and replacement of plasma) are used for treatment.