Pune is witnessing a rise in cases of typhoid and other intestinal infections, with healthcare experts warning that the actual disease burden may be substantially higher than officially reported figures. Doctors have linked the increase in infections to ongoing water shortages, irregular water supply and concerns over water quality, particularly in densely populated and water stressed areas of the city.

According to data released by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the city recorded 38 cases of enteric fever (typhoid) until June 24, 2026. However, infectious disease specialists and clinicians have cautioned that the reported numbers likely represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as many patients either remain undiagnosed, are treated in private clinics without official reporting, or test negative through conventional diagnostic methods despite exhibiting clinical symptoms.

Healthcare professionals have observed a noticeable increase in patients presenting with symptoms such as prolonged fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and gastrointestinal infections. Several hospitals and private practitioners in Pune have reported a rise in cases associated with contaminated food and water consumption, particularly during the summer and pre monsoon period.

Medical experts attribute the surge partly to the city’s ongoing water scarcity challenges, which have led to increased reliance on water storage, tanker supplies and alternative water sources that may be vulnerable to contamination. Public health specialists warn that interrupted water supply and inadequate sanitation conditions can significantly increase the risk of waterborne diseases, including typhoid, gastroenteritis and other intestinal infections.

Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, remains a major public health concern in India. According to global health estimates, India accounts for a substantial proportion of the world’s typhoid burden, with millions of infections occurring annually across low  and middle income settings. The disease spreads primarily through contaminated food and water and can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

Healthcare experts have also highlighted the limitations of currently available diagnostic tests for typhoid, noting that blood cultures, the gold standard for diagnosis often have reduced sensitivity if patients have already received antibiotics. As a result, many clinically suspected cases may not be reflected in official surveillance data, contributing to underreporting of the disease burden.

Public health authorities have emphasized the importance of ensuring safe drinking water, maintaining proper sanitation and practicing good hygiene to reduce the transmission of waterborne diseases. Experts have also advised individuals experiencing persistent fever, abdominal pain or gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications.

The recent increase in typhoid and intestinal infections in Pune underscores the growing public health challenges associated with urban water insecurity and highlights the need for strengthened disease surveillance, improved water quality monitoring and enhanced preventive healthcare measures.