Western India's city of Pune is grappling with a rise in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), an immune disorder. At least one person has died from the rare condition.

India's western city of Pune is experiencing a surge in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with at least 111 confirmed cases reported over the past three weeks, according to local media on Tuesday.

The first fatality linked to the outbreak, a 41-year-old chartered accountant, passed away on Monday, a day after being diagnosed with the rare but treatable condition.

State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar confirmed that the deceased's illness was a "confirmed GBS case," as reported by the Times of India and Hindustan Times. Seventeen additional patients are currently on life support due to the condition.

"GBS is not a communicable disease. This disease occurs when a person’s immune system is compromised," Abitkar said, amidst growing concern over the rising number of cases. India has witnessed some of the highest numbers of COVID-related deaths globally.

He also stated, "Our first priority is to control the rise in the number of patients," as seen in videos shared on social media.

The state's health department reassured citizens that preventive and control measures are in place, urging them not to panic.

In response to the outbreak, India's central Health Ministry dispatched a team of seven experts to Pune to assist in managing the increasing number of cases.

Experts have raised the possibility that contaminated water may be the source of the infection. Local government authorities are conducting tests and surveys to investigate further, according to media reports.

GBS is described by the World Health Organization as a "rare condition in which a person’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves." Although anyone can develop the disease, it is more common among adults and males.

While GBS is treatable, it can cause severe complications, such as near-total paralysis, breathing difficulties, and even death in severe cases. Though the exact cause remains unclear, most instances follow a viral or bacterial infection, according to the WHO.