Pune: Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak – 101 Cases Reported, 16 Critical, Water Contamination Suspected
Pune and surrounding areas are witnessing a significant outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), with 101 cases reported so far, including 16 critically ill patients currently on ventilator support. A suspected GBS-related death has also been reported in Solapur, with unconfirmed reports suggesting the infection may have originated in Pune.
Outbreak Details and Distribution
The Maharashtra Health Department has confirmed 101 cases of GBS, distributed as follows:
- Pune rural: 62 cases
- Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits: 19 cases
- Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC): 14 cases
- Other districts: 6 cases
The gender distribution includes 68 males and 33 females. The age-wise breakdown of cases is:
- Under 9 years: 19 cases
- 10–19 years: 15 cases
- 20–29 years: 20 cases
- 30–39 years: 13 cases
- 40–49 years: 12 cases
- 50–59 years: 13 cases
- 60–69 years: 8 cases
- 70–80 years: 1 case
Affected Areas and Investigations
The outbreak has primarily affected residents of Sinhagad Road, Khadakwasla, Dhayari, Kirkatwadi, and neighboring areas. Initial investigations reveal that nine out of 11 stool samples from GBS patients tested positive for norovirus, with some samples also showing Campylobacter jejuni bacterial infection. Blood samples tested negative for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
Water contamination is suspected as a potential source of the outbreak. Samples from various areas have been sent for chemical and biological testing at the State Public Health Laboratory. The results are awaited.
Response and Treatment Challenges
In response to the alarming situation, a central health team will visit Pune to assess the outbreak. The Maharashtra Health Department has surveyed 25,578 households across affected areas, including:
- PMC: 15,761 houses
- PCMC: 3,719 houses
- Rural regions: 7,098 houses
Rapid response teams have been deployed to monitor high-risk areas and assist in containing the spread. The average cost of treatment ranges between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh, with some cases exceeding ₹10 lakh. This has posed significant financial challenges for families, despite the ₹2 lakh coverage under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.
To mitigate the financial burden, the Pune Municipal Corporation has announced additional financial assistance for economically weaker patients.
Preventive Measures and Public Advisory
Authorities are urging residents to follow health advisories, maintain hygiene, and ensure the use of clean drinking water to reduce the risk of infection. The health department continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts to curb the outbreak intensify.
