Avoid paneer, cheese, rice, warns doctor as deadly GBS infection crosses 100, one death reported; key symptoms to note

Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), a post infectious neurological disease is spreading across Pune. With over 100 cases identified so far, it is important to know about the preventive measures. A suspected case of death due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has been reported in Solapur.
Campylobacter jejuni, which usually causes stomach infection, triggers the GBS infection, the rare condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves.

So far, 111 cases of GBS have been identified in Pune out of which 17 patients are on ventilator. "Patients with GB syndrome are increasing in Pune, which has become a matter of concern. We will soon get the opinion of our expert team of doctors regarding GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) patients. The Pune Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra Health Department are working well so that the number of patients does not increase," Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash told the media on Monday.
Not only C. jejuni, other infections that can also cause Guillain Barre Syndrome

Campylobacter jejuni infection usually results from the consumption of contaminated food or water. The major sources are undercooked or raw poultry, unpasteurized milk, and untreated water. Bacteria can be spread through cross-contamination while preparing food by using the same cutting board or utensils to handle raw and cooked foods. Poor hygiene also increases the risk, such as not washing hands after handling raw meat or contact with infected animals. Outbreaks are more common when the area of production lacks proper sanitation or follows improper food safety practices. Bacteria infect the intestinal lining once they have been ingested, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea.


See more: Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS): Symptoms causes treatment prevention
GBS symptoms typically begin with weakness, tingling, or numbness in the legs and may progress to the arms and upper body. Severe cases can lead to paralysis. Other symptoms include unsteady walking, difficulty with facial movements (like speaking, chewing, or swallowing), and abnormal heart rate or blood pressure. Some people experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of bladder/bowel control. Symptoms often develop over hours to weeks and require immediate medical attention.


According to Dr. Pradyumna Oak, Director, Neurology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, "Guillain-Barré syndrome is not contagious. It is an autoimmune condition, in which body’s immune system attacks and damages its own nerves. A number of respiratory or gastrointestinal infections can cause GBS but the condition cannot spread from one person to another."

"Exact reason of the recent outbreak is to be ascertained but considering the quantum of cases it can be a food or waterborne infection such as Campylobacter jejuni. Whether the cases continue to rise will depend on how soon the cause of these infections can be located and effective preventive efforts can be made to control outbreaks. While there is no specific demographic to who is at more risk of contracting GBS, generally, people with a history of infections or in an immunocompromised state due to a surgery or a chronic condition can be more at risk," he added.
"GBS may occur in individuals of any age, although it is more common in children and adults, especially in the tropics during the rainy season. Early diagnosis is important since this condition can rapidly worsen. Individuals who present with sudden, progressive weakness or numbness in the limbs interfering with ambulation or daily activities should be brought to medical attention immediately," Dr. Manish Chhabria, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital.
Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, MD Medicine, DM Neurology, AIIMS Delhi has shared an informative video on Instagram. She has urged people to avoid eating outside. "One major cause is gastroenteritis due to a bacteria C jejuni. Although there are many other causes, but this is the one that you all should be aware of because this is one cause that we can avoid. Avoid eating out. Avoid contaminated food and water. Take care of yourself immunity too. This illness is best treated within 2 weeks. We have always seen these cases but an outbreak is concerning. Not to panic. Take care of yourself. Now you know how to take care of atleast one cause," she has captioned the video.
In the video, Dr Sehrawat has advised to avoid eating paneer, rice and cheese as these are more prone to bacterial growth.
Also read: Other infections that can also cause Guillain Barre Syndrome
Paneer, rice, and cheese are more prone to bacterial growth because they contain a high moisture content and a nutrient-rich composition that bacteria can thrive in. Since paneer and cheese are dairy products, they are also more likely to contain Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli if they are not kept in proper storage. Cooked rice can contain Bacillus cereus, which can produce toxins leading to food poisoning, when it is left at room temperature. These foods are very susceptible in the "danger zone" (40°F-140°F or 4°C-60°C) where bacteria grow rapidly. They should be kept refrigerated and consumed promptly to reduce the likelihood of bacterial contamination and foodborne illness.
Watch the video here:

"Treatment for GBS can either be in the form of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy or plasmapheresis, plasma exchange, and both treatments have proven to be effective in reducing the severity and progression of the condition. The decision for which treatment should be used must be made by a neurologist based on the patient's specific case. Though IVIG is an effective treatment, it is more expensive than plasma exchange. Patients usually need physiotherapy and other rehabilitation exercises after treatment in order to regain their neurological functions and to improve recovery," explains Dr Chhabria.
"Preventive measures for curtailing the risk of GBS include good hygiene practice, boiling before consumption, and avoiding stale or uncovered food. Although GBS rarely happens and is not annual, the number of cases can be higher during a year of widespread infections and in tropical regions during the monsoon season. It is not a fact that every person diagnosed with Campylobacter Jejuni infection or suffering an enteric infection will develop GBS, but it is the most common cause of this neurological disorder. Early medical intervention and appropriate treatment avoid severe complications, especially those that involve the respiratory muscle," he adds.