Outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, bird flu in Maha leads to panic in Belagavi

Belagavi: The Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak and bird flu (H5N1) in neighbouring Maharashtra have created panic in Belagavi district. The health department is on high alert following the outbreak of both diseases.

GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. It often follows a viral or bacterial infection and may require intensive care if breathing muscles are affected.

Bird flu (H5N1) is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds but can sometimes spread to humans, causing severe respiratory illness. It has a high mortality rate in humans and is usually transmitted through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

As far as GBS is concerned, it is spreading fast in Pune, Pandharpur, Kolhapur, and Akkalkot of Maharashtra state. The cases are increasing every day. In Belagavi district also, two suspected deaths occurred due to GBS. The death of Yetil Patil, 64, from Dhonewadi of Nippani taluk and another 14-year-old boy from Hukkeri taluk are alleged to have died from GBS.

However, speaking to the TOI, district health officer SS Gadad said there was still no confirmation that both deaths happened because of GBS. Since GBS is a neurological disease, he said neither patient had such symptoms. "However, we are waiting for the post mortem report. We have alerted our health staff about this and instructed them to take the patients having symptoms with GBS for additional support. We are also urging people to consume potable water to avoid the disease," he stated.

As far as bird flu (H5N1) is concerned, it is creating panic in neighbouring Maharashtra. Due to the outbreak, a lot of chickens are dying and the Bidar district administration has banned the import of chicken meat and eggs. The administration also stated that chicken should be eaten only after cooking or frying the food properly to disinfect the bacteria.

"No bird flu cases have been found in Belagavi district so far. We are sensitising our field workers to spread awareness about preventive measures. We are also urging people to eat chicken and eggs after cooking them properly," he stated.