Pune: In response to cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) reported in Pune and its surrounding areas, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to inspect water sources in affected areas. He emphasized the need to provide clean and safe drinking water to prevent further spread of the disease.

The directive came during a review meeting held on Wednesday, where health officials discussed ongoing treatments and preventive measures. Dr. Pulkundwar instructed health and municipal authorities to investigate the underlying causes of the disease by studying hospitalized patients. He called for immediate coordination between the health department, medical education department, and PMC health department to implement necessary measures.

Symptoms and Treatment of GBS

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Eknath Pawar, Dean of Sassoon Hospital, explained that Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a nerve-related disorder. It typically begins with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or respiratory issues like cough and cold. Within five to seven days, patients may experience muscle weakness in their hands and legs, leading to difficulty in walking or moving their limbs. Dr. Pawar emphasized the importance of seeking timely medical advice, as most patients recover with appropriate treatment.

Quick Response Team Formed

To identify the cause of GBS cases, the state health department has established a Quick Response Team. The team includes experts such as Dr. Babasaheb Tandale from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Dr. Premchand Kamble, Deputy Director of Malaria, and Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, Head of Microbiology at BJ Medical College.

High-Level Coordination

Senior officials, including District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Pimpri-Chinchwad Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and representatives from the FDA and PMC Water Supply Department, participated in the review meeting through video conferencing. The focus was on ensuring preventive measures, improving awareness, and identifying the potential source of contamination.