The number of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune has risen to 111, with 17 patients on ventilator support, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar confirmed. In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has set up a special 45-bed ward at Kamala Nehru Hospital for free treatment. Abitkar assured that state health officials and the civic body are working together to contain the outbreak, with expert medical consultations planned.
Residents suspect contaminated water from an old well near Khadakwasla Dam as the source of the outbreak, as untreated water is being distributed to multiple areas without purification. While health authorities have yet to inspect the water source, a WHO team and PMC officials have visited affected regions. Locals are demanding urgent action, including a filtration system, amid growing concerns over poor drinking water infrastructure.
PMC’s Water Supply Department chief stated that water samples are being tested, with no bacterial contamination detected so far. Authorities have increased chlorination, and a new filtration plant is planned for long-term water safety. Meanwhile, sporadic GBS cases have been reported in Nagpur, and a suspected GBS-related death occurred in Solapur.
As reported by economictimes, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged residents to boil water before drinking as a precaution. While GBS is not contagious, it is often triggered by bacterial or viral infections, leading experts to suspect a link to contaminated water. Health officials continue efforts to control the outbreak and ensure access to clean drinking water.