Pune: Following a surge in cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in the Sinhagad Road area, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated an extensive water testing drive. The campaign aims to determine whether water contamination is contributing to the outbreak.
According to PMC officials, a total of 7,195 water samples have been tested so far. Out of these, 138 locations have been found to have water unfit for drinking. The health department has issued urgent instructions to the water supply department to address the issue and ensure the provision of clean drinking water.
Possible Link Between Contaminated Water and GBS Cases
The sudden rise in GBS cases in the Sinhagad Road area prompted the municipal corporation to conduct a detailed investigation into the local water supply. Initial findings suggest that contaminated water could be a possible factor in the spread of the illness. As a precautionary measure, authorities have decided to temporarily halt water supply in certain areas until further examination is completed.
The municipal health department confirmed contamination in 138 locations. The superintendent of the water supply department, Nandkumar Jagtap, assured that corrective measures are being implemented to improve water quality in the affected areas.
Health Department's Directives
In light of the situation, the health department has outlined the following immediate steps:
All RO water plants in affected areas have been sealed to prevent further contamination.
Housing societies have been ordered to clean their water tanks regularly.
While the municipal water supply has not been directly implicated, authorities are conducting thorough checks. Instructions have been issued to ensure a safe drinking water supply in contaminated areas. Officials have also reported three confirmed cases of GBS in the Narhe and Dhayari areas. Water sources in these areas are now under scrutiny, and all RO plants have been temporarily shut down as a precaution.