Indore water contamination: Guillain-Barré syndrome-like symptoms in woman?

After 10 people died in Indore’s Bhagirathpura due to a diarrhoea outbreak triggered by contaminated drinking water, a woman from the same locality has reportedly shown Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)-like symptoms and is battling for her life in a hospital.

However, the administration on Monday (January 5) rejected reports of any GBS case in the affected area.

What is GBS?

GBS is a rare but serious neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. It can cause sudden numbness, muscle weakness, and, in some cases, difficulty in swallowing or breathing.

Also read: Indore water contamination: Authorities yet to pinpoint source as probe expands

The woman, identified as 67-year-old Parvati Kondla, had earlier been admitted to another hospital, where doctors, based on test reports, indicated GBS-like symptoms, according to an official of a private hospital where the patient is currently admitted in critical condition.

"However, when she was thoroughly examined at our hospital, it was found that she is also suffering from a brain stroke. Treatment is being administered based on all symptoms," he said.

The administration, however, rejected media reports and claimed no GBS case has been found in Bhagirathpura.

"We have not received information about any GBS patient from any local hospital or doctor," stressed Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani.

Man claims relative died due to diarrhoea

Meanwhile, a man on Monday claimed his 69-year-old relative died due to diarrhoea after drinking contaminated water in Bhagirathpura. However, local officials denied the link to the tragedy in the area that has claimed six lives so far, citing his hospital admission date and "pre-existing conditions".

Also read: Indore water contamination: 203 still in hospitals, says Collector

Omprakash Sharma died on Sunday while he was undergoing treatment for diarrhoea at a private hospital, his kin Abhishek Sharma told PTI.

Omprakash, a retired police constable, was originally from Dhar district and had come to Indore to visit a relative. He had also gone to Bhagirathpura a few days ago, where he consumed contaminated water, Abhishek claimed.

"He developed symptoms of diarrhoea late on the night of December 30. Due to severe dehydration, he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a local hospital. He was then put on life support, but could not be saved," said Abhishek.

However, CMHO Hasani said Omprakash Sharma was admitted to the hospital before the vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak began in Bhagirathpura on December 29.

Also read: Indore water contamination: Why 'cleanest city' model is under scanner

"Omprakash had pre-existing conditions, including hypertension and kidney disease. After his death, his son contacted me. He will be provided with appropriate assistance by the state government. I have sought detailed information about Omprakash from the hospital," Hasani said.

The CMHO asserted that the situation in Bhagirathpura is "completely under control" following an intensive health department campaign to curb the outbreak.

The administration has confirmed six deaths so far. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava had put the death toll at ten, whereas locals claimed that 16 people, including a six-month-old child, died due to the diarrhoea outbreak.

(With agency inputs)