India, July 25 -- With rise in rare nerve disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune, the Maharashtra Public Health Department has announced that it will soon release new standard operating procedure (SOP) to monitor drinking water and water sources across the state.

"We are regularly checking water quality, and the new SOP will strengthen the monitoring system to prevent similar health crises in future," said Prakash Abitkar, health minister, on Thursday.

PMC has reported an unusual spike in GBS cases in clusters like Nandegaon, Nanded, Dhayari, Kirkitwadi, and Khadakwasla since January 9. The outbreak was first detected on January 13, 2025, in Sinhagad Road area. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) reported 141 GBS (confirmed a...