Lagatar24 Desk
Pune: Following reports confirming no contamination in water sources from areas affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is shifting its focus to examining the water distribution network for possible contamination, officials said.
Initial Findings: Safe Water Sources
Water samples collected from multiple areas, including Khadakwasla, Kolhewadi, Ambegaon, DSK Vishwa, Kirkitwadi, and Kothrud, among others, were tested. The bacteriological analysis conducted by the state public health laboratory and PMC revealed the water to be potable, with no traces of Coliform or E. coli contamination.
Focus Shifts to Distribution Network
Prithviraj BP, additional municipal commissioner (estate), PMC, said, “We need to check for contamination in the water distribution system in these areas.” Officials suspect the issue might lie within the distribution lines or water tanks used by societies and homes. Water from supply tankers will also be sampled.
GBS Cases and Surveillance Measures
Since January, Pune district has reported 82 suspected GBS cases, including 53 in rural areas, 13 in PMC limits, and 12 in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Affected patients often exhibit symptoms linked to the bacterial infection Campylobacter jejuni, known to trigger GBS.
A central ministry team has arrived to assist in surveillance and sample collection. Officials noted that chlorine residue levels in water, which indicate ongoing disinfection, were within safe limits.
Steps Taken
• Inspecting and repairing water distribution lines in affected areas.
• Sampling water from tankers and household tanks for contamination.
• Collaborating with ICMR-National Institute of Virology to study bacterial presence in patient samples.
