Special Correspondent
PUNE: A water quality survey conducted in and around Nanded village, the epicenter of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Pune, has revealed a lack of chlorine in the drinking water supplied to the homes of 26 GBS patients. Officials highlighted the urgent need for corrective measures to ensure public health safety.
The Rapid Response Team (RRT), formed to investigate the GBS outbreak in Nanded and surrounding areas near Sinhagad Road, reported that of the 77 GBS cases in Nanded, drinking water samples were collected from 62 households. Findings showed that while water at the source was adequately chlorinated, households of 26 patients had no detectable chlorine levels.
Experts Demand Immediate Action
Health experts have urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to maintain a minimum chlorine level of 0.2 ppm in household water to prevent contamination.
“Water from the main well was sufficiently purified, but zero chlorine was detected in several homes,” an RRT member said.
PMC’s water supply department head, Nandkishor Jagtap, attributed the chlorine deficiency to possible factors such as the use of private water tankers, poorly maintained overhead tanks, or the volatile nature of chlorine in stored water.
E. coli Contamination Found
Jagtap also confirmed that some water samples tested positive for Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Notices were issued to tanker operators, instructing them to use bleaching powder solutions provided by the PMC. Additionally, private water ATMs with contaminated samples were seized.
GBS Outbreak Subsiding
State health department deputy director and RRT chairman Dr. Radhakishan Pawar noted that the GBS outbreak is now showing signs of decline.
“There were 77 cases clustered in Nanded, while the remaining cases from Pune and nearby districts are not linked to the same source,” he explained.
Pawar emphasized that investigations into water, food, and other samples had been thorough. “Cases peaked around January 18 and 19, but there has been a significant decline since then,” he added.
Health authorities and the PMC are continuing their efforts to safeguard water quality and prevent further outbreaks.
