2023-07-11 10:21:34
Peru is currently facing an unusual upsurge in Guillain-Barré cases. This sometimes fatal syndrome has led the Latin American country to declare a national state of health emergency for three months.
Acute paralyzing neuropathy that can lead to death. In recent weeks, Peru has experienced an abnormal increase in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. “The national level health emergency is declared for 90 days,” the Peruvian Ministry of Health said in a statement. The 25 regions of this country of 33 million inhabitants are concerned.
According to César Vásquez, the Minister of Health, it is necessary to “take measures at state level to protect the health and life of the population”.
A rare neurological disorder, Guillain-Barré syndrome, also called acute polyradiculoneuritis, can affect people of all ages. However, the disease is more common in adulthood and in males.
Tingling and muscle weakness
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in Guillain-Barré syndrome, the patient’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The disease can thus affect the nerves that control muscle movement, as well as those that transmit tactile and thermal pain sensations.
Tingling, lack of strength in the extremities, and difficulty breathing are the most common symptoms. Usually the tingling starts in the legs before, in some cases, spreading to the arms and face.
In some patients, these symptoms can evolve and go as far as paralysis of the affected limbs. Also, in the most severe cases, the ability to speak and swallow may be affected. These cases are considered life-threatening and should be treated in intensive care units.
Nearly 180 cases detected in Peru
The Peruvian Ministry of Health has recorded more than 180 cases between January and July 2023, including four deaths. If studies have established a causal link between the Zika virus and Guillain-Baré syndrome – the latter generally occurs a few weeks following a viral or bacterial infection – there is currently no curative treatment.
However, some therapies can reduce the duration of the disease and relieve symptoms.
The declaration of the state of emergency should allow Peru to obtain supplies of immunoglobin in order to treat patients for the next two years. More than 12 million Peruvian soles (approximately 3 million euros) will thus be allocated to the purchase of treatments and equipment to fight once morest this syndrome.
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