Pune/New Delhi, India – Pune has witnessed a concerning surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases, with the number now exceeding 100. On Sunday, Maharashtra reported the first death linked to this rare neurological disorder. The victim, a 40-year-old man from Solapur, passed away after developing severe gastrointestinal symptoms and being hospitalized in Pune. Health officials are investigating potential waterborne contamination as the cause of this alarming GBS outbreak.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. It leads to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis. GBS can be triggered by infections, including gastrointestinal diseases like those caused by Campylobacter jejuni bacteria.
Rising Cases of GBS in Pune
As of the latest reports, Pune has registered 101 cases of GBS. Among these, 56 patients are in general wards, while 41 have been admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Of the ICU patients, 25 are on oxygen support, and 16 are on ventilators. Four patients have been discharged, but concerns over the rise in cases remain.
Many of the reported cases are concentrated along Sinhgad Road, an area that relies on untreated water from local wells and the Khadakwasla Dam. This has prompted health officials to examine waterborne contamination as a possible trigger for the outbreak.
Possible Cause of GBS Outbreak: Waterborne Contamination
Health experts suspect that contaminated water could be the source of the recent GBS outbreak. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a rapid response team to monitor over 2.5 lakh homes in the affected areas. Their surveillance has already identified 146 cases of acute diarrhea and dysentery (ADD), often linked to gastrointestinal infections that precede GBS.
PMC tested 283 water samples from the affected area, of which 182 were deemed potable, while one was found unfit for consumption. The Public Health Department also tested 21 water samples, with three found potable and six unfit for drinking. More water samples are still under analysis.
Additionally, 23 blood samples and 73 stool samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune. Preliminary results confirmed the presence of Norovirus in 12 samples and Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in three stool samples, both of which have been linked to triggering GBS.
Campylobacter jejuni and Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Experts believe that Campylobacter jejuni, a common bacteria found in contaminated water and food, is one of the main triggers for GBS. Studies show that about one in 1,000 GBS cases is linked to C. jejuni infection. These infections often lead to more severe cases of GBS.
Infections from other pathogens such as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae have also been associated with GBS, but Campylobacter jejuni remains the leading cause.
Dr. Manjari Tripathi, head of neurology at AIIMS, Delhi, emphasized that the cluster of GBS cases in Pune is unusual, as GBS typically occurs sporadically. “The fact that multiple cases are arising in a specific area suggests an environmental source, likely related to water or food,” she stated. “The exact source needs to be identified to prevent further spread.”
Health Advisory and Preventive Measures
In response to the outbreak, local authorities have issued a health advisory urging residents to boil water before consumption, ensure proper food hygiene, and avoid consuming raw food. The Maharashtra government has also dispatched a seven-member team from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to assist in managing the GBS cases and investigate the root cause of the outbreak.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pune is conducting inspections at local eateries to ensure food safety, with particular focus on water and foodborne pathogens like Campylobacter jejuni. Additionally, the Animal Husbandry Department has clarified that GBS is not related to zoonotic diseases, further strengthening the theory of water contamination.
What’s Next?
The state health department is closely monitoring the situation, with daily updates on new cases. Public health minister Prakash Abitkar assured the public that measures are being taken to ensure contaminated water is not supplied in the affected areas. With the cause of the outbreak still under investigation, the situation remains fluid, and health officials are working to prevent further cases.
Conclusion: Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak in Pune – A Health Crisis
As the number of GBS cases in Pune continues to rise, the investigation into waterborne contamination intensifies. Timely medical intervention is crucial for patients diagnosed with GBS, and health authorities are working diligently to identify the source of this outbreak. Residents are urged to follow health guidelines, including boiling water, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding high-risk foods, while officials work to contain this public health crisis.
For more information on Guillain-Barré Syndrome and waterborne diseases, stay updated with official health reports.
