Fri Jan 24 11:16:34 IST 2025: ## Pune Battles Guillain-Barre Syndrome Outbreak: Bacterial Infection Suspected
**Pune, January 23, 2025** – A concerning outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Pune has prompted a major health investigation. At least 26 confirmed GBS cases and 60 hospitalizations have been reported this week, predominantly affecting residents in Nanded, Nandoshi, Kirkitwadi, Dhayari, and Khadakwasla.
Three GBS patients, all from the same area, have tested positive for a bacterial infection, specifically Campylobacter jejuni, raising suspicions about contaminated water as the source of the outbreak. These villages rely on water from gram panchayat wells and the Khadakwasla dam, bypassing Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) treatment facilities. While the water is chlorinated, the identified bacteria appears to be chlorine-resistant.
In response, the PMC plans to increase chlorine levels in its water supply from 5 ppm to 7 ppm across all 11 treatment plants. Additional municipal commissioner Prithviraj BP stated that contaminated food or water is suspected as the primary cause. Water samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for further analysis. Meanwhile, health teams are conducting door-to-door surveys in affected areas. The situation remains under close monitoring.
First Piper 