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Eight water sources found with E. Coli in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, offer GBS trigger clues

Recent tests by the State Public Health Laboratory found bacterial contamination in eight water sources in Pune and PCMC. This evidence may help identify an environmental trigger for the Guillain-Barré Syndrome outbreak, with contamination found in both public tanks and private wells in affected regions.
Eight water sources found with E. Coli in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, offer GBS trigger clues
PUNE: In its latest water tests, the State Public Health Laboratory has identified contamination in eight water sources in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad (PCMC), offering potential clues in the investigation of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) surge in affected areas.
This is the first direct evidence of contamination in public water sources in the affected regions, bringing health authorities closer to uncovering a possible environmental trigger behind the outbreak.
A senior state health department official told TOI that, so far, 110 water samples from different parts of the city have been sent for chemical and biological analysis. "Of these, eight recent samples have tested positive for bacterial contamination. Four of them are from GBS-affected areas in Pune, while three are from PCMC," the official said. Among the contaminated sources in Pune, one sample was collected directly from Khadakwasla Dam. However, officials said that this was expected, as the water had not undergone any treatment.
More concerning are the other contaminated sources, including the main tank supplying water to DSK Vishwa complex — one of the affected areas in the GBS outbreak. "Additionally, contamination was found in a public tap at Nisarg Society in DSK Vishwa and a well in Nanded phata. In PCMC limits, three contaminated samples were traced to a public tap in Vastu Udyog Colony, a borewell in Sahyog Nagar, Pimpri, and tap water from the same locality. Authorities have already initiated chlorination at these sites to mitigate risks," the official said.
The bacteria detected in these samples included E. coli, thermotolerant bacteria (organisms that can grow in temperatures higher than 45°C), and coliforms.
The official added: "While there is currently no system in place to directly test for Campylobacter jejuni — a bacterium linked to GBS — presence of E. coli and coliforms serves as an indicator of fecal contamination. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these bacteria suggest the possible presence of other harmful pathogens, including Campylobacter jejuni."
Sachin Pangare, who oversees the water management system in the DSK Vishwa township, said: "PMC supplies all our water to a single tank, sourced from a well in Nanded Gaon and a dam near Barangani Mala Road. However, part of our water treatment facility is functional, and part of it isn't. As a result, some societies in DSK Vishwa receive treated water, while others get raw water. We have been unable to fix the treatment facility because residents are not willing to pay for repairs, as they expect PMC to supply treated water after Dhayari was merged into PMC limits a few years ago."
Pangare added that while many flat owners have individual water purifiers at home, those staying on rent may not have the same arrangements.
Water quality and hygiene issues linked to surge in GBS cases in Pune’s Dhayari
By January 9, officials reported that a cluster of GBS cases had begun to form in Pune. Just days later, DSK Vishwa accounted for eight of the 13 GBS cases recorded in Dhayari. The rise in cases has raised concerns about the quality of the water supply and storage hygiene in the neighborhood.

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About the Author
Neha Madaan

Neha Madaan is a senior feature writer at The Times of India, Pune. She holds an M A degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from University of Pune. She covers tourism, heritage development and its conservation, apart from an array of subjects such as civic issues, environment, astronomy, civic school education as well as social issues concerning persons with disabilities. Her interests include metaphysical research and animal rights.

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