Guwahati: A 17-year-old girl succumbed to suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) at a private hospital in Guwahati, marking the first reported fatality from the condition in Assam this season, as confirmed by medical professionals. However, the Assam State Health Department has not yet issued an official statement to confirm whether it is the first such fatality in the state.
The girl, who was admitted to Pratiksha Hospital on January 21, had a history of diarrhoea a week before her admission. She was diagnosed with GBS and had been on a ventilator for the past 11 days before passing away on January 31.
GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its nerves, causing weakness and numbness in limbs, face, and eyes. In severe cases, it can affect breathing, making it a potentially life-threatening condition.
A hospital spokesperson mentioned that the cause of GBS remains inconclusive in many cases, though it often follows viral or bacterial infections, including Campylobacter jejuni and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Treatment typically includes IVIg injections or plasma exchange, a procedure similar to dialysis. While the girl’s family was planning to transfer her to Delhi for advanced treatment, her condition deteriorated before they could make the transfer, leading to her unfortunate passing.
The patient’s family had originally come from Bihar and had been residing in Assam for some time. The girl’s father is a Central Government employee.
