Official sources have stated that the bacterium Campylobacter jejuni is believed to be behind the recent GBS Outbreak of in parts of Pune and Maharashtra. According to the sources, the bacteria is considered a trigger, with other tests returning negative results.
The bacterium has been detected in 20-30% of the samples from patients who tested positive for GBS. However, authorities have emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing until the exact cause is fully confirmed.
Campylobacter jejuni is commonly linked to foodborne illnesses from undercooked food and contaminated water. Samples collected at the NIV Pune ICMR lab showed traces of this bacteria in a significant number of cases.
To date, 8 deaths have been suspected to be related to GBS in Pune and other areas of Maharashtra. A total of 205 suspected cases have been identified, with 177 confirmed as GBS.
The state government reported that 41 of these patients are from the Pune Municipal Corporation, 94 from newly added villages in the PMC area, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad, 32 from Pune Rural, and 8 from other districts. Currently, 113 patients have been discharged, while 50 are in the ICU and 20 are on ventilators.
