TWO CHILDREN under the age of ten have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, marking the first reported cases in West Bengal. The children, aged 8 and 7, are under treatment at the Institute of Child Health (ICH) in Kolkata, with both requiring respiratory support, doctors said on Tuesday.

Doctors, however, pointed out that these are “sporadic cases” and there is no reason to panic.

“While one is recovering faster the other is critical,” Dr Prabhash Giri, the child specialist treating the patients, told The Indian Express.

Sources said that one of the children resides in North 24 Parganas district, while the other is from South 24 Parganas.

“These are sporadic cases and there is nothing to panic about as it is not an epidemic,” Dr Giri stated.

Another doctor from ICH highlighted the importance of understanding preventive measures. “GBS) can be triggered by a stomach infection, leading to the rare condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves,” the doctor explained.

GBS typically presents with weakness, tingling or numbness in the legs, which can progress to the arms and upper body.

“Severe cases can lead to paralysis. Other symptoms include unsteady walking, difficulty with facial movements (like speaking, chewing, or swallowing), and abnormal heart rate or blood pressure. Some people experience severe pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of bladder/bowel control. Symptoms often develop over several hours or even weeks and require immediate medical attention,” said a doctor.