Pune: The Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Pune is now under control, with no new cases reported since February 18 in the Sinhagad Road cluster, where the infection was initially detected. As a result, the ongoing survey to monitor the outbreak will soon be discontinued, according to Dr. Neena Borade, Health Chief of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
A formal letter announcing the conclusion of the survey will be submitted to the Deputy Director of Health and the Communicable Diseases Department. Dr. Borade stated that GBS cases were linked to contaminated water, which tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni and norovirus. However, due to water purification measures, the situation has been brought under control.
Dr. Borade further explained that since the incubation period of the virus or bacteria causing GBS has passed, and no new cases have been detected in the past month, the outbreak is officially contained.
What Happens Next?
The daily household screenings and surveys for suspected cases will be discontinued.
PMC outpatient departments will continue monitoring diarrhea cases to track and treat any potential GBS-related symptoms.
Regular water quality testing will be conducted, and the Water Supply Department has been instructed to maintain ongoing vigilance.
Findings from Water Sample Testing
Recent tests conducted by PMC revealed several contaminated water sources, leading to water purification measures:
3,735 samples were tested from the Parvati Water Purification Center.
15 tanker water samples were found unfit for drinking.
39 Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants were identified as supplying contaminated water.
214 samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), of which 6 tested positive for contamination.
80 samples were analyzed by the State Laboratory, with 24 found contaminated.
