Shillong: Meghalaya’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has urged residents to seek immediate hospital care at the earliest signs of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), following recent cases reported in Pune, Maharashtra.
The advisory, issued late Friday, warns against delays in treatment for the rare neurological disorder, which occurs when the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, often after infections such as respiratory illnesses, gastroenteritis, dengue, or Zika virus.
Health authorities outlined early warning symptoms, including weakness, tingling or numbness in the legs, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, loss of balance, and, in severe cases, problems with breathing, swallowing, or speech — all requiring urgent medical attention.
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The IDSP has advised the public to avoid self-medication, maintain proper hygiene, refrain from consuming raw or contaminated food, protect against mosquito bites in dengue- or Zika-prone areas, and follow a nutritious diet to strengthen immunity.
Public health concerns have escalated after the Pune outbreak, prompting both state and central officials to call for heightened vigilance, preventive action, and timely medical intervention across Meghalaya.
