Shillong, Aug 9: Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Department has assured that a robust surveillance system is in place to monitor and prevent any potential outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome(GBS).
GBS is a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, often following infections such as respiratory illnesses, gastroenteritis, dengue, or Zika virus. Early symptoms include weakness, tingling, or numbness starting in the legs, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, loss of balance or coordination, and, in severe cases, trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking — which requires immediate medical attention.
The advisory, issued by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), recommends prompt hospital visits at the first sign of symptoms, avoiding self-medication, maintaining proper hygiene, steering clear of contaminated or raw food, protecting against mosquito bites in dengue or Zika-prone areas, and consuming nutritious food to strengthen immunity.
The Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Pune city in Mahrashtra recently has raised significant concerns among public health administrators at both the state and central government levels.
Authorities have urged the public to remain alert, practice preventive measures, and seek timely medical care to safeguard against the disorder.