Daijiworld Media Network – Pune
Pune, Jan 26: The state health department in Pune has added nine new 'suspected' cases to the growing list of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) patients, bringing the total number of individuals exhibiting symptoms to 73 since January 9. The newly suspected cases presented with acute muscle weakness and difficulty walking, which are common signs of GBS onset, health officials confirmed.
On the same day, the state public health laboratory in Pune detected bacterial contamination in untreated water from a well near Khadakwasla Dam, one of the affected locations. The water sample showed high levels of E. coli and coliform bacteria, with coliform counts exceeding 16 per 100 ml and E. coli levels reaching 9 per 100 ml. Officials noted that while the water was found to be unsafe, it remains unclear if the contaminated water was being consumed or used by residents in the area.
The health department has collected 11 water samples from various household taps in affected areas, with all but the well water being deemed safe for consumption.
As the search for the potential trigger behind the GBS cluster continues, tests have identified the presence of Campylobacter jejuni (C jejuni) and norovirus in patient samples. While norovirus is common, it rarely leads to GBS, making C jejuni the primary concern, as it is strongly associated with more severe GBS cases.
Blood tests from 23 patients have ruled out Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya, all of which are known to cause GBS. Among the 73 affected individuals, 25 are under 19 years old, and 16 are over 60, with 14 still on ventilator support. Three patients diagnosed after January 9 have since been discharged.
The central health team, expected to visit Pune, has not yet arrived, but local authorities are already working closely with central representatives to investigate the situation. Dr Babita Kamlapurkar, joint director of State Health Services, confirmed that the team is reviewing all diagnoses and considering revising the GBS case count.
Dr Neena Borade, head of Pune Municipal Corporation’s health department, has advised residents to avoid consuming food from unhygienic sources and to boil drinking water and heat food thoroughly.
Meanwhile, health officials have reported a decline in the daily cases of GBS since the January 20 peak when more than 10 cases were reported in a single day. Approximately 18,000 homes in affected areas have been surveyed, with most patients coming from Singhad Road, Kirkatwadi, Dhayari, and surrounding neighborhoods.