Shillong, August 8 : In light of recent media reports on Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome (GBS), the Meghalaya Department of Health and Family Welfare has issued a public advisory to reassure citizens and provide essential information about the rare neurological disorder. The department confirmed it has a sustained surveillance mechanism in place to prevent any potential outbreaks.
Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. It often follows an infection such as a respiratory illness, gastroenteritis, dengue, or Zika virus.
The advisory outlines key symptoms to watch for, which include:
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness that first develops in the legs.
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
- Loss of balance or coordination.
- Trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking, which requires urgent medical attention.
The public has been advised to take several precautions:
- Seek medical care early if any of the above symptoms appear.
- Avoid self-medication and do not delay hospital visits.
- Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections.
- Avoid contaminated and raw food.
- Protect against mosquito bites, especially in areas where dengue or Zika virus is present.
- Boost immunity by eating healthy and nutritious foods.
The advisory was issued in the public interest by IDSP Meghalaya.
