Pune Municipal Corporation Issues Health Advisory Amid Guillain-Barre Syndrome Outbreak

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a public health advisory in response to a recent outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the city. The advisory outlines crucial water and food safety measures, along with hand hygiene practices, to curb the spread of the condition.

Water Safety Measures

Authorities emphasize the importance of consuming safe drinking water. Residents are urged to filter and boil water for at least twenty minutes before consumption to eliminate potential contaminants.

Food Safety Guidelines

The advisory encourages citizens to adopt strict food hygiene practices, including:

• Washing vegetables and fruits thoroughly before consumption.

• Consuming freshly cooked, homemade food while avoiding street food and unhygienic eateries.

• Ensuring poultry and meat are well-cooked, especially avoiding raw or undercooked eggs and chicken.

• Practising personal hygiene and avoiding sharing utensils or food during the outbreak.

• Keeping raw and cooked food separate to prevent cross-contamination.

• Disinfecting kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat.

Hand Hygiene Practices

Proper handwashing with soap and water is crucial, particularly before eating and after using the toilet. The advisory also stresses washing hands thoroughly before handling food to minimize infection risks.

Symptoms and Urgent Medical Attention

PMC urges residents to seek immediate medical assistance if they experience any of the following symptoms, especially in combination with diarrhoea, vomiting, cold, or cough:

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.

• Rapidly increasing weakness in hands and legs.

• Tingling or a "pins-and-needles" sensation in the hands or feet.

• Reduced muscle movement in the knees or arms.

• Loss of balance or impaired coordination.

• Difficulty in speaking, swallowing, or breathing.

Public Health Response

PMC has mobilized healthcare teams to monitor the situation and provide assistance to affected individuals. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and follow the recommended safety precautions to mitigate the spread of the disease.

For further updates and emergency assistance, residents can contact local healthcare centres or visit the nearest hospital if they develop symptoms.