Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak in Peru Prompts Health Emergency Declaration

The Peruvian government has declared a 90-day health emergency due to a spike in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder. Republic of Peru is the 3rd largest country in South America, located in its central and western part, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Peru borders withEcuador and Colombia to the north, with Chile to the south and with Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

As of July 12, 2023, there have been 182 confirmed cases of GBS in Peru, an increase of 165 cases since June 27. Four people have died from the disorder. GBS is an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, which controls movement and sensation. Symptoms of GBS can include weakness, tingling, numbness, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, GBS can lead to paralysis.

The exact cause of GBS is unknown, but it is thought to be triggered by an infection, such as the flu or a stomach bug. There is no cure for GBS, but treatment with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin can help to speed up recovery.

The health emergency declaration will allow the Peruvian government to mobilize resources to better manage the outbreak of GBS. This includes increasing the number of hospital beds dedicated to GBS patients, providing more training for healthcare workers, and increasing public awareness of the disorder.

The government is also working to identify the source of the outbreak. Possible theories include a recent increase in the number of people infected with the Zika virus, or a new strain of the influenza virus.

What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is responsible for sending signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

In GBS, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. This can lead to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.

The exact cause of GBS is unknown. However, it is thought to be triggered by an infection, such as the flu or a stomach bug.

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome

The symptoms of GBS usually start a few days or weeks after an infection. The most common symptoms are:

• Muscle weakness
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Difficulty walking
• Double vision
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing

In severe cases, GBS can lead to paralysis of the whole body.

Treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome

There is no cure for GBS. However, there are treatments that can help to speed up recovery. The two most common treatments are:

• Plasma exchange: This involves removing some of the patient’s blood and replacing it with plasma from a healthy donor.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg): This is a type of blood product that contains antibodies from healthy donors.

Prognosis for Guillain-Barré syndrome

Most people with GBS make a full recovery. However, it can take several months or even years to fully recover. In some cases, there may be some residual weakness or numbness.

Prevention of Guillain-Barré syndrome

There is no way to prevent GBS. However, some experts believe that getting vaccinated against common infections, such as the flu and the Zika virus, may help to reduce the risk of developing GBS.

The health emergency declaration is a precautionary measure, and the government is confident that it will be able to contain the outbreak. However, they are urging people to be aware of the symptoms of GBS and to seek medical attention if they experience any of them.