As the laboratory reports of water sources were found to be potable and free of bacteria, the Pune Municipal Corporation has now directed testing of meat and sea foods being sold on the Sinhagad Road area where the spur of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) patients was registered.
As on January 24, a total of 73 GBS patients including 55 residents in Pune civic limits were detected. Three patients have been cured and discharged from the hospital while 14 are on ventilator, 30 on Oxygen support and 26 in general ward of various hospitals.
“The water samples have been found to be bacteria-free and potable of five tanks supplying water to the areas in Sinhagad Road with maximum GBS patients were registered,” said additional municipal commissioner Prithvi B P.
Also, water samples from 30 localities from Rajaram Bridge to Khadakwasla on Sinhagad Road in a bid to determine the exact reason as well as location of possible water contamination that has led to the spread of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the area.
The PMC has now instructed the veterinary department to test contaminated meat and sea food found in the affected area. The state Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) have also been informed of testing food being sold in the area.
The state health authorities on Thursday said 73 cases of GBS were reported in the region with 14 requiring ventilator support. While the patients are reported to be stable, a rapid response team is investigating the causes of the outbreak.
“The focus of PMC is mainly in the area from Rajaram Bridge to Khadakwasla which has witnessed an increase in GBS patients. The water has been tested and preliminary reports indicate no presence of GBS-causing bacteria,” said Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale.
Water samples were collected from four areas each in Hingne Khurd and Dhayari, three areas each in Anandnagar and Tukainagar, five each in Nanded, Vadgaon Budhruk and Kirkarwadi and one in Kolhewadi. Most GBS patients are from these areas.
“The water supply line in the area is old and there is not much detail about it. It is difficult to track the network and identify if they are damaged or coming in contact with drainage water. The civic administration has been laying new pipelines wherever needed,” Bhosale said.
As per the laboratory report, the water samples from the 30 locations have shown turbidity and use of chlorine but the report on biological content is awaited.
On Thursday, the preliminary laboratory report revealed no presence of GBS-causing bacteria but indicated a need to provide treated water in the areas at the earliest. The PMC has prepared a detailed project report, estimating a cost of Rs 408 crore to revamp the water supply network in the locality and provide treated water to all residents.
Experts said GBS can be associated with norovirus infection. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), norovirus is a viral illness that causes acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms include acute onset diarrhea and vomiting. It spreads through contaminated food, water or surfaces.
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