0
0
Pune, February 19, 2025 – As the death toll from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune rises to nine, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has implemented stringent regulations for private reverse osmosis (RO) water purification projects operating within city limits. The move comes after tests revealed contamination in water supplied by these projects, prompting the closure of 55 facilities.
The affected plants, primarily located in Sinhgad Road, Kirkatwadi, and other adjoining areas, have been linked to a growing number of GBS cases in the city. RO projects utilize advanced membrane technology designed to remove impurities from water, but improper maintenance and substandard quality control have raised serious health concerns.
Under the new regulations, all RO projects must register with PMC and obtain certification from the original manufacturer or an authorized maintenance organization, confirming their compliance with safety standards. Additionally, each project must provide a certificate ensuring that the water meets the World Health Organization’s IS 10,500 purification standard.
To maintain safety, the State Public Health Laboratory and PMC laboratories will conduct frequent water quality tests. Health officers from regional offices will collect and analyze water samples to determine suitability for consumption. Projects found supplying unsafe drinking water will face immediate closure. Furthermore, RO projects using PMC-supplied water will be billed at non-domestic rates based on meter readings.
PMC’s swift action follows the recent death of a 34-year-old man from Wagholi, who succumbed to GBS at Sassoon General Hospital. This latest fatality brings Pune’s GBS-related death toll to nine since the outbreak on January 5. Reports indicate the patient initially experienced tingling in his limbs, progressing rapidly to severe muscle weakness. By February 8, he had lost control over his respiratory, facial, and neck muscles, ultimately leading to his demise.
Beyond Pune, Maharashtra’s second capital, Nagpur, also reported a GBS-related death. An 8-year-old boy, admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital on January 16, passed away on February 10. With two confirmed fatalities in Nagpur, the total GBS death toll in Maharashtra has now reached 17.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif and Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, have emphasized the correlation between GBS cases and the consumption of contaminated water and stale food. The state government continues to urge residents to ensure the safety of their drinking water.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for AYUSH, Pratap Jadhav, hinted at the possibility of travel restrictions in affected areas if investigations reveal a contagious element in the outbreak. Authorities remain vigilant as they work to contain the situation and prevent further casualties.
Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on preliminary findings from government and municipal sources. Further investigations are ongoing, and residents are advised to follow official advisories regarding water consumption and hygiene practices.
