Guwahati: A 17-year-old girl in Guwahati has reportedly succumbed to suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) at a private hospital, marking the first known case of the rare neurological disorder in Assam this season.
According to doctors at Pratiksha Hospital, the Class-12 student was admitted around ten days ago and diagnosed with GBS.
The disease, which affects the nervous system, causes sudden muscle weakness and numbness, often leading to severe complications.
“The girl’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and she was placed on ventilator support. Unfortunately, it was a very severe case of GBS, and she passed away last night,” a hospital paediatrician stated on condition of anonymity.
While there has been no official confirmation from the hospital or the state health department, medical experts suggest that GBS cases have been emerging across various parts of India, including Maharashtra, South India, and West Bengal.
“In the last six months, no GBS cases were detected in Assam, but given the national trend, we fear more cases may surface in the coming days,” the doctor added.
The deceased, originally from Bihar, was residing in Assam at the time of her illness. Her family had arranged for an air ambulance to transfer her to Delhi for advanced treatment, but she succumbed before the transfer could take place.
A senior paediatric surgeon noted that while GBS cases occur annually in Assam, they are usually not severe. “Some patients experience paralysis but recover with proper treatment. While the condition can be serious, there is no need for panic,” he reassured.
Doctors and health officials are closely monitoring the situation.