Amid rise in Guillain Barre Syndrome patients, PMC collects water samples to check for contamination

The civic body has collected samples of water for testing, said Prithviraj adding he would be personally visit the site of the well on Sinhagad Road and the affected area. The area was brought under the jurisdiction of the civic body two years ago and shortage of funds is holding back the PMC from providing treated water to the area.

On Tuesday, municipal commissioner Rajendra Bhosale had ruled out that citizens were getting GBS due to drinking water. “There can be any reason for GBS and the exact reason will be ascertained only after the reports of blood and urine samples of patients as well as water samples from where maximum patients have been reported are out,” he had said.

Till Wednesday, the number of patients reported were 55 as against 24 till Tuesday.

Meanwhile, BJP legislator Hemant Rasane rushed to the PMC headquarters to review the situation and issued directions to create a dedicated ward for treatment of patients. He also asked officials to undertake disinfecting the water supply on a war footing, mainly in the Sinhagad road area, which has reported maximum GBS patients.

“GBS is a rare infection and citizens are getting confused. The PMC should create awareness with immediate effect. It is necessary to diagnose and provide treatment to GBS patients, considering its effect on the patient’s body,” said Rasane.

The PMC should enable treatment of patients free of cost or at affordable amounts in its affiliated hospitals, said Rasane adding separate wards should be opened for GBS in big hospitals.

It has been noticed that GBS is happening due to contaminated water, said Rasane advising that the water tanks should be cleaned regularly. “There is fear among citizens about GBS so the civic administration should launch an awareness campaign. Citizens are requested to boil drinking water and avoid eating roadside food,” he said.