Earlier this year, Pune experienced a major public health emergency when over 200 people were diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare but potentially life-threatening neurological disorder. The outbreak, which tragically claimed at least 12 lives, triggered widespread alarm across urban and rural parts of the city.
Initially, the focus of the investigation was contaminated drinking water, prompting scrutiny of the city’s water treatment and chlorination processes. However, new research by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) suggests that the source may be more complex—and possibly tied to poultry.
Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of NIV, shared that early evidence indicates a bacterial infection commonly associated with poultry could have contributed to the sudden rise in GBS cases. While investigations are still ongoing and no conclusive findings have been released, the preliminary data suggests that a bacteria found in chickens may have played a role in triggering the autoimmune response linked to GBS.
The first case of GBS was recorded on January 9 in Nanded village, located on Sinhagad Road. Out of the 202 reported cases, 46 were from Pune Municipal Corporation areas, 95 from recently merged villages, 34 from Pimpri-Chinchwad, and 40 from rural Pune. Authorities noted a rapid rise in infections through January and early February, but no new cases have been reported since February 18.
While the possible poultry connection is being explored, health officials have not ruled out other contributing factors, including water quality and environmental conditions. The final report from NIV is expected to offer more clarity and could potentially reshape how public health risks are assessed and managed, especially in areas where human and animal health intersect closely.
At Eggora, we emphasize the importance of biosecurity and hygiene across all poultry operations. This incident is a reminder of how interconnected the poultry ecosystem is with public health, and it underscores the need for constant vigilance, responsible farming practices, and rigorous health checks in the supply chain.
We will continue to monitor updates from health authorities and share reliable information with our community.
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