Pune: Cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) have once again started rising in Pune’s Sinhagad Road area, prompting concerns over the quality of drinking water. The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Health Department has written to the Water Supply Department, urging immediate testing of water quality and ensuring a safe supply to prevent further spread.
Currently, three new patients are undergoing treatment for GBS in city hospitals. Investigations confirm that contaminated water is a major contributing factor to their illness. The Health Department’s letter highlights cases from Manaji Nagar, Raikar Mala, and Narhe, where residents rely on PMC’s water supply or private water sources that have tested unfit for consumption.
Water Contamination and Its Link to GBS
For the past three months, cases of GBS have been reported in Dhayari, Narhe, Khadakwasla, Nanded, Sanaswadi, and Kirkatwadi. The condition, which affects the nervous system, makes it difficult for patients to walk or move their hands, requiring expensive medical treatment. Some cases have even resulted in fatalities, causing widespread concern among residents.
Affected Patients and Areas
The Health Department’s letter to the Water Supply Department highlights three specific cases:
A 7-year-old child from Manaji Nagar is currently in a private hospital’s ICU on ventilator support.
A critically ill patient from Raikar Mala is undergoing treatment at Erandwane Hospital.
A 10-year-old child admitted to Sassoon Hospital was found to be consuming water from a private well and a local water purification plant.
Tests conducted on water sources in these areas have confirmed contamination, leading to renewed concerns over public health and safety.
Following the report, PMC’s Water Supply Department has initiated an investigation and announced corrective measures:
Water samples from affected areas and patients’ homes will be tested in laboratories.
Reverse osmosis (RO) plants will be sealed where contamination is detected.
Residents will receive chlorinated water to prevent further infections.
"We are taking immediate steps to test water quality and seal contaminated sources. Safe drinking water is now being supplied with chlorination treatment."
— Nandkishor Jagtap, Head of Water Supply Department, PMC