As Maharashtra state continues to see rising cases of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS), the Ministry of Health government of India has started social media awareness about understanding the causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), underlining that it is rarely linked to vaccinations."
GBS is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder that can affect peripheral nervous system. The condition has claimed at least 17 lives in Maharashtra so far; however, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) most people recover fully in in very severe cases.
Initially in January 2025 when the cases came up in Pune, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare deputed a high-level multi-disciplinary team to Pune, Maharashtra for supporting the State health authorities in instituting public health interventions and management in view of the spurt in suspected and confirmed cases of GBS.
"Understanding the causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is crucial," the Ministry has now said in its latest advisory, on the causes for the disease.
Understanding the causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is crucial. Share this to raise awareness and keep others informed.#HealthForAll #GuillainBarreSyndrome #GBSAwareness pic.twitter.com/2gVIY5DYCz
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) February 18, 2025
According to the Ministry's advisory, the condition is "associated with microbes like Campylobacter jejuni, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Zika virus," and is "often triggered by infections, such as respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. The Ministry has also said that it is "rarely linked to vaccinations," laying to rest any misinformation on this front.
STATES ALSO ISSUE FACTSHEETS ON GBS:
Not just the Union Ministry, but state governments have also issued guidelines and factsheets. The Health Medical and Family Welfare Department of Andhra Pradesh has also posted a thread on X.com, detailing the causes, symptoms and treatment for GBS.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome(GBS): Know the Facts!
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.
Ø Treatment – Plasmapheresis, IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG), and supportive care aid recovery. pic.twitter.com/PrKWddOcQ1— Health Medical and Family Welfare Department - AP (@ArogyaAndhra) February 16, 2025
"Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system," they said in a series of posts.
"It can cause muscle weakness, tingling, and even paralysis, requiring urgent medical attention," they said, but also underlined that "is NOT contagious."
"It does not spread from person to person," according to the department.
“Early detection and treatment can save lives. Stay aware, stay safe!,” they said.
Also read: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS): What do we know so far?
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