The Peruvian government has declared a state of health emergency following an increase in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. This is a condition that attacks the immune system and can lead to paralysis.
- In Peru, four people have died of Guillain-Barré syndrome since January.
- The syndrome attacks the immune system.
- In most cases, appropriate treatment can cure it.
Many Peruvians are affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome. According to a latest report from the Ministry of Health, 180 cases and four deaths have been recorded since January. Faced with this sharp increase in the number of cases, the government has implemented a state of health emergency. “So far we have brought the disease under control, specifies the director of the Ministry of Health in a communicated. Cases of Guillain Barré show up every year but there has been a significant increase in recent weeks that requires us to take action as a state to protect the health and life of the population.This government decision will notably make it possible to stock up on immunoglobulin, one of the treatments for the syndrome.
✅ Gobierno declares emergencia sanitaria por incremento unusual de casos de síndrome de #Guillain Barre
???? Titular del Minsa informó que medida busca proteger la salud y vida de la población y se destinará más de S/ 12 million para compra de inmunoglobulina y otros insumos.???????? pic.twitter.com/E42AOKgos1
— Ministerio de Salud (@Minsa_Peru) July 9, 2023
Guillain-Barré syndrome: a rare condition
This increase in cases is cause for concern because the syndrome is rare. I’World Health Organization explains that in those affected, “the patient’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system”. It can affect the nerves that control muscle movement and those that “transmit painful, thermal and tactile sensations”. “It can thus lead to muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms.adds the WHO.
Tingling or weakness in the legs, or even in the arms, are the first symptoms of the disease. “These symptoms may progress to paralysis of the legs, arms or facial musclesadds the organization. In 20% to 30% of patients, there is damage to the chest muscles, making it difficult to breathe“Most people recover without suffering these complications, but others experience difficulty in speaking and swallowing. In these cases, it is necessary to act quickly because there is a risk of death.”3 to 5% of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome die from complications of the disease”says the WHO.
What treatments for Guillain-Barré syndrome?
To limit the risks, patients are closely monitored, including their breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. “Due to the autoimmune nature of the disease, its acute phase is usually treated with immunotherapy, plasmapheresis to remove antibodies from the blood, or injection of intravenous immunoglobulinsunderlines the WHO. This approach is most often beneficial when initiated 7-14 days after the onset of symptoms.”
How to explain the appearance of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
The WHO specifies that the syndrome is often triggered by an infection. “In countries affected by Zika virus infection, there has been an unexpected increase in the number of cases of Guillain-Barré syndromeadds the organization. The most likely explanation given the available data on outbreaks of Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barré syndrome is that Zika virus infection is a trigger for Guillain-Barré syndrome.”
