Spike In Waterborne Diseases In Pune Following Unseasonal May Rainfall
Pune, 14th June 2025: The city is witnessing a steady surge in waterborne diseases since May, attributed largely to unseasonal and heavy rainfall that month. Cases of diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, jaundice, and typhoid have been reported in significant numbers, prompting the municipal Health Department to initiate preventive measures.
According to the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Health Department, a total of 5,617 waterborne disease cases were recorded between January and May this year. Of these, 4,292 were cases of acute diarrhoea, making it the most commonly reported illness. In addition, 102 cases of amoebiasis, 66 of jaundice, 86 of typhoid, 2 of leptospirosis, 974 of diarrhoea, and 95 of gastroenteritis were reported. Notably, no cholera cases have been recorded so far in 2025.
Health officials link the rise in cases to contaminated drinking water and unhygienic food consumption, both of which are common during the monsoon season. However, this year, the situation worsened earlier than expected due to heavy rainfall beginning in May.
“Waterborne illnesses like diarrhoea, jaundice, and gastroenteritis have increased as drinking water supplies get contaminated during rain,” said a civic health officer. “Exposure to open and unhygienic food, often infested by flies, has also led to a spike in vomiting and stomach infections.”
Municipal health centers across the city are equipped to provide free treatment for all such illnesses, and citizens are urged to seek timely medical attention, especially if they experience symptoms such as vomiting, loose motions, or high fever.
To combat the spread, the Health Department has advised the public to:
– Drink only municipal tap water meant for drinking.
– Avoid water from open wells, borewells, or canals unless properly purified.
– Do not consume stale or fly-contaminated food.
– Wash hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet.
– Filter water, boil it for 20 minutes, then cool before drinking.
– Clean household water storage containers at least once a week.
