Guwahati: A 17-year-old girl has died at a private hospital in Guwahati, with doctors suspecting Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as the cause—making it the first suspected case of GBS in Assam this season, according to hospital sources on Saturday.
However, neither the hospital nor the state health department have officially confirmed the diagnosis.
The girl, a Class-12 student, was admitted to Pratiksha Hospital around 10 days ago, where she was diagnosed with GBS, a rare condition that leads to sudden numbness and muscle weakness, including symptoms like severe weakness in the limbs and diarrhea, a pediatrician at the hospital, speaking anonymously, revealed.
“Her condition deteriorated, and she was put on ventilator support. It was a severe form of GBS, and she passed away last night,” the doctor said.
The doctor added that this is the “first known case of GBS in Assam” this season, although the disease is common and affects the nervous system.
“There have been no GBS cases in the past six months in Assam, but there has been a surge in cases across India recently, particularly in states like Maharashtra, South India, and West Bengal,” the doctor explained.
“We are concerned that more such cases could emerge in the coming days.”
The deceased girl, originally from Bihar, had been living in Assam.
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Her parents had planned to transfer her to Delhi for advanced treatment, and an air ambulance was arranged, but unfortunately, she passed away before the transfer could take place, a source close to the family said.
A senior pediatric surgeon, who requested anonymity, noted that while GBS cases are reported annually in Assam, they are generally not severe.
“While some patients may experience paralysis, many recover with proper treatment. Though they may not return to full health, they are usually able to perform daily tasks independently, so there is no need for panic regarding GBS,” he added.
