Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases rise in Peru
The Peruvian government declared a nationwide health emergency on July 8 after an increase in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases, a rare neurological disorder. The emergency will last for 90 days as officials tackle an “unusual increase" in cases.
Since June 2023, 182 cases have been reported nationwide in Peru, of which 147 have been discharged, 31 remain hospitalized, and four have died, according to MercoPress news agency.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare disorder in which your immune system attacks the nerves of the body. It is a serious condition that requires immediate hospitalization as it can worsen the condition of the patient rapidly.
Why the sudden rise in cases?
The health emergency follows a request by Health Minister of Peru César Vásquez, who noted that an increase in the number of cases could mean “a lack of immunoglobulin" (antibodies).
The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is currently not known. However, two-thirds of patients with this condition report symptoms of an infection in the preceding six weeks. These bacterial or viral infections include COVID-19, respiratory infection, gastrointestinal infection, or Zika virus.
Measures to treat the condition in Peru
The decree by President of Peru Dina Boluarte states that around US$ 3.27 million will be allocated to improving patient care, reinforcing control on the number of detections, and drafting reports for the population and health personnel.
In general, there is no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Still, treatment can help in managing the symptoms, reducing the severity and duration of the illness.
Symptoms you might have the condition
According to health experts, the first symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome are weakness in muscles and tingling in your hands and feet. The damage caused by this condition prevents the nerves from sending certain information – such as touch sensations – to the spinal cord and brain. This can cause a feeling of numbness. The brain and spinal cord can no longer transmit signals back to the body, which can lead to muscle weakness. Other symptoms include difficulty in speaking, chewing or swallowing, rapid heart rate, low or high blood pressure, and difficulty in breathing. In severe cases, people can become paralyzed or even die.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients show signs of recovery in 2-3 weeks, as per health experts. However, for some, full recovery may take a few years. Some people may recover completely from the disease, while a few patients may end up with permanent nerve damage.
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