A woman has died in Pune due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), marking the second fatality from the rare neurological disorder in Maharashtra. The city has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, with 127 reported cases so far.

In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has reserved 40 hospital beds, including 10 equipped with ventilators, for the treatment of GBS patients. The deceased woman was admitted to a hospital on January 9, and officials suspect she may have contracted the infection in Pune before traveling to Solapur, where the first death was recorded earlier this month.

GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Initial signs include tingling sensations in the hands and feet, which can rapidly progress to more serious neurological impairments, including difficulty walking, facial paralysis, speech and swallowing issues, vision problems, and respiratory complications.

Health authorities are actively investigating potential sources of the outbreak, with contaminated water being a primary concern. Tests conducted on water samples have revealed high levels of E. coli bacteria in a well near Khadakwasla Dam, Pune’s main water source. However, it remains unclear whether this well was in use.

Officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions, including maintaining hygiene and seeking immediate medical attention for any symptoms associated with GBS. The PMC continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the outbreak intensify.