Guntur: A second death due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has been reported in Andhra Pradesh, with a 45-year-old woman, Kamalamma, from Alasandalapalli village in Komarole mandal, Prakasam district, succumbing to the rare autoimmune condition on Sunday. Her passing follows the recent death of a 10-year-old boy from Srikakulam, who was declared brain-dead earlier this week after exhibiting similar symptoms.
Kamalamma had initially sought treatment at Giddalur Government Hospital for fever and weakness in her limbs. After three days of treatment, she was transferred to Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH) on February 3. Medical tests confirmed a diagnosis of GBS, and she was treated with a five-day course of IV Immunoglobulin, along with supportive care, The New Indian Express reported.
Dr. SSV Ramana, Superintendent of Guntur GGH, explained that despite receiving intensive treatment, Kamalamma's condition worsened. On February 10, she required intubation and ventilator support. Tragically, she suffered three cardiac arrests over three days, with the third leading to her death on Sunday.
In response to the case, health authorities have heightened sanitation efforts in Alasandalapalli village, while also conducting screenings for elderly residents and those showing signs of GBS. Dr. T Venkateswarulu, Prakasam District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), suggested that contaminated water, potentially from decaying animal carcasses, may be contributing to the spread of GBS in the region. Authorities have collected water samples from local borewells for further analysis.
As of February 15, Andhra Pradesh has recorded 17 cases of GBS. Special Chief Secretary for Health, Medical, and Family Welfare, MT Krishna Babu, assured that major hospitals like King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada GGH, Guntur GGH, and Kurnool GGH regularly treat 10 to 15 GBS cases requiring intensive care each month. Immunoglobulin treatment for severe cases, which costs between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh for a five-day course, is covered under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme for eligible patients.
The Andhra Pradesh Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC) has been instructed to ensure a steady supply of immunoglobulin at central drug stores across the state.
Also Read: Maharashtra GBS outbreak: Cases rise to 205, death toll stands at eight
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