As Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, continues to rise in Pune, residents have criticized the administration for failing to provide safe drinking water. Despite these concerns, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has maintained that there is no contamination in the water supplied to the city. However, recent findings have revealed that water from at least eight sources, including those in areas affected by the GBS outbreak, has tested positive for bacterial contamination.
According to a report by TOI, out of 110 samples tested, eight recent samples tested positive for bacterial contamination, a senior state health department official confirmed.
The report states that E. coli, thermotolerant bacteria (organisms that can grow in temperatures higher than 45°C), and coliforms were among the bacteria detected. Although the bacterium linked to GBS could not be tested directly, the presence of E. coli suggests fecal contamination of water, as per WHO.
These spots include:
Khadakwasla Dam
Main tank supplying water to DSK Vishwa complex
Public tap at Nisarg Society in DSK Vishwa
Well in Nanded Phata
Public tap in Vastu Udyog Colony, Pimpri-Chinchwad
Borewell in Sahyog Nagar, Pimpri
Tap water from Sahyog Nagar, Pimpri
PMC on action mode
Meanwhile, Pune municipal corporation (PMC) commissioner Rajendra Bhosale held a meeting of concerned departments and issued instructions to curb the prevalence of the disease.
The Water Supply and Drainage Departments were asked to implement measures regarding water supply and drainage in Pune city and the newly merged 23 villages. "The Water Supply Department should take necessary steps to cover water tanks and wells with tarpaulin and fencing. Instructions should be given to tanker operators supplying water, and a meeting should be organized with them to provide guidelines and advisory measures regarding diseases," said a release issued by the PMC.
A new Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) case was reported in Pune on Tuesday, health officials said.
The number of suspected GBS cases, thus, stood at 111, with 13 patients on ventilator, they said.
"111 suspected patients of GBS have been found until now, besides one patient who died. Of these, 31 are diagnosed as confirmed GBS cases," said a release from the state health department.
