Pune: PMC Urges Citizens to Drink Boiled Water; Issues Warning as Waterborne Diseases Surge During Monsoon

Pune, 18th June 2025: As monsoon rains drench Pune, the city is witnessing a worrying spike in waterborne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, hepatitis, and leptospirosis, prompting the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to issue a public health advisory. Citizens are strongly urged to drink only boiled and cooled water and maintain high standards of hygiene.

According to the PMC’s Health Department, civic and private hospitals across Pune have reported a 20–25% rise in cases of gastrointestinal and water-related infections over the past few weeks.

High-Risk Zones Identified:
Slum clusters, low-lying localities, and areas near construction sites or stagnant water have emerged as hotspots. Medical officers attribute the increase to poor drainage, contaminated water supplies, and the spread of bacteria through waterlogged areas.

PMC Health Officer Dr. Neena Borade stated, “We urge citizens to avoid eating food from roadside stalls and consult doctors immediately if symptoms occur.”

Common Symptoms of Monsoon Illnesses
Vomiting and diarrhea
Nausea and abdominal pain
Fever and jaundice
Red eyes, joint and muscle pain (indicative of leptospirosis)

Leptospirosis, in particular, is a serious bacterial infection that spreads through floodwater contaminated by animal urine and enters the body through open wounds or cuts.

PMC’s Health Advisory: Precautionary Measures
Drink only boiled or filtered water
Avoid eating from open-air and roadside food stalls
Wash hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet
Keep your surroundings clean and dry
Do not wade through stagnant water, especially with cuts or wounds
Seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of illness

PMC has also directed its health teams to intensify public awareness campaigns and sanitation drives in high-risk areas.