Pune: PMC Deploys 64 Teams to Combat GBS Surge in Sinhagad Road Area

Sinhagad Road, 24th January 2025: The city has witnessed a concerning rise in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with 46 reported cases, of which 70 percent are concentrated in the Sinhagad Road area, particularly from Dhayari to Khadakwasla.

According to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Health Department, 80 percent of these patients had prior gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. The department suspects that contaminated water, sourced mainly from wells and tankers, is a significant contributing factor.

In response to the alarming spike in cases over the past two weeks, PMC has collected water samples from 13 locations in the Sinhagad Road area, including those from tankers, wells, and households. These samples will undergo rigorous testing for chemicals, viruses, and bacteria, with the viral analysis being conducted by the National Institute of Virology (NIV).

To identify more potential cases, the Health Department has deployed 64 teams to conduct door-to-door surveys in the affected areas. These teams, trained by Assistant Health Officer Dr. Vaishali Jadhav at Laigude Hospital in Dhayari, will collect data on residents showing GBS-like or stroke-like symptoms using structured questionnaires. The survey is expected to conclude within eight days.

PMC’s Health Chief, Dr. Nina Borade, has urged citizens to prioritize health precautions, including drinking boiled and cooled water. “The number of GBS cases is likely to rise due to contaminated water. We have instructed the Solid Waste Department to ensure cleanliness around water reservoirs and asked the Food and Drug Administration Department to inspect food supplies in the area. Additionally, we have engaged the Indian Medical Association and the Gynecologists’ Association, instructing them to report any GBS cases promptly,” she stated.

With an emphasis on preventive measures, authorities are encouraging residents to maintain hygiene, ensure proper disposal of waste, and report any symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty in walking, or gastrointestinal issues to nearby health centers.