Tue Feb 18 14:03:38 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu Issues GBS Alert Amidst Rise in Nationwide Cases**
Chennai, February 18, 2025 – The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) has issued a health advisory urging increased surveillance and public awareness regarding Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) following a rise in reported cases across India. The advisory, issued by DPH Director T.S. Selvavinayagam, instructs health officers to immediately detect and refer suspected GBS cases to tertiary care facilities for timely treatment.
GBS, a rare but treatable autoimmune neurological disorder, often follows bacterial or viral infections, including Campylobacter jejuni, the flu, and Zika virus. The condition causes muscle weakness and sensory loss, potentially leading to paralysis and breathing difficulties in severe cases. Most patients recover fully, however, early hospitalization is crucial for monitoring respiratory and cardiac function.
The DPH is emphasizing public health measures to prevent infections linked to GBS, including thorough handwashing, proper food preparation (especially poultry, meat, and seafood), and boiling or using bottled water if the source is uncertain. The advisory stresses the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms like sudden limb weakness, difficulty walking, or persistent diarrhea, particularly if blood is present in the stool. Healthcare workers are being instructed to educate the public about the potential link between gastrointestinal infections and GBS and encourage prompt medical consultation when symptoms appear.
The DPH is actively working to raise awareness and ensure early intervention to mitigate the impact of this neurological disorder.
First Piper 