Pune GBS Outbreak: NoroVirus Detected In Chicken; PMC Issues Strict Guidelines For Chicken Vendors

Pune is witnessing heightened health concerns as NoroVirus and Campylobacter jejuni bacteria have been detected in chicken. The infection is suspected to have spread through contaminated water. In response, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Veterinary Department has issued strict guidelines to chicken vendors across the city to ensure hygiene and safety during chicken sales.

NoroVirus and Bacteria Detected in Chicken

The PMC Veterinary Department confirmed the detection of Campylobacter jejuni bacteria and NoroVirus in chicken. Officials suspect that the infection spread to chickens through contaminated water. Following the findings, inspections were conducted at chicken shops in high-risk areas, including Sinhagad Road and nearby localities with GBS cases. Vendors were instructed to use clean water for washing chicken and maintain hygiene standards.

GBS Outbreak In Pune Linked To Contaminated Water, Not Chicken:

The Pune district has reported several cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the past month, with patients experiencing symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting—conditions commonly linked to contaminated food or water. However, health officials clarified that the contaminated chickens are not connected to the GBS outbreak at Kirkatwadi on Narveer Tanaji Malusare Road, as the infected poultry samples came from different areas.

Testing And Findings By NIV

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) conducted extensive testing on chicken samples collected from various poultry farms across Pune district, including rural areas and Pune-Pimpri Chinchwad regions. Key findings from the tests are:

• 106 chicken fecal samples were tested.
• Campylobacter jejuni was found in 23 out of 66 samples tested.
• NoroVirus was detected in 5 out of 60 samples tested.

The contaminated samples originated from Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and rural areas, including Sinhagad Road, Dhayari, Kirkatwadi, and Khadakwasla—regions reporting GBS cases. However, no district-wide pattern linking the chickens to GBS cases was established.

PMC’s Strict Guidelines for Chicken Vendors

In light of these findings, the PMC Veterinary Department has issued the following directives to chicken vendors to prevent further health risks:
Use clean, potable water for washing chicken.
Maintain strict hygiene standards at shops.
Properly dispose of chicken waste to avoid contamination.
Ensure regular disinfection of utensils and chopping boards.

Inspections were carried out in high-risk areas, including Sinhagad Road, Dhayari, Kirkatwadi, and Khadakwasla, where GBS cases have been reported.

Expert Opinions On The Infection Source

• Dr. Nina Borade, Head of PMC Health Department, clarified:”There is no direct link between the bacteria and NoroVirus found in chicken and the GBS cases. The infected chicken samples were collected from different areas than where GBS patients were reported.”
• Dr. Amit Dravid, Infectious Disease Specialist, emphasized:”Campylobacter jejuni is commonly found in animals, but it rarely affects them. Humans are more susceptible to the bacteria. The chances of GBS transmission through chicken are low. Contaminated water remains the more likely cause.”

Public Health Advisory

The PMC urges citizens to:

1. Boil water before consumption.
2. Cook chicken thoroughly to kill bacteria and viruses.
3. Wash hands properly after handling raw chicken.