- By Deeksha Gour
- Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:18 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pune GBS Outbreak: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has shut down 19 private reverse-osmosis (RO) plants in the Nanded village area after tests revealed that their water was unfit for drinking. This region has become the centre of a Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak, which has raised significant health concerns.
Rise In GBS Cases In Maharashtra
On Wednesday, officials reported four new suspected cases of GBS in Pune district, bringing the total number of cases in Maharashtra to 170. The now-sealed RO plants, located in the Dhayari-Nanded area, provided bottled water to many local residents.
RO Plants Sealed After Failing Water Quality Tests
Following this action, the PMC's water supply department announced plans to establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at preventing the distribution of contaminated water in the affected area. Prithviraj P B, additional commissioner of the PMC, stated, “During the investigation of water samples, we found that water from 19 RO plants in the Nanded area was unfit for consumption. Consequently, these plants have been sealed.”
Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the PMC's water supply department, confirmed the presence of Escherichia coli bacteria in samples taken from these plants. In response, private water suppliers have been instructed to use a bleaching powder solution provided by the PMC to eliminate the bacteria.
GBS Symptoms And Health Risks
Additionally, a rapid response team investigating the GBS outbreak found that there was no chlorine in the drinking water supplied to the homes of 26 suspected patients. GBS is a serious nerve disorder characterised by sudden numbness and muscle weakness, with symptoms including severe weakness in the limbs. The situation remains critical as health officials work to ensure safe drinking water for the community.
(With Inputs From PTI)
