2023-07-12 20:58:00
According to official information published by the Ministry of Health of Peru, the decree of health emergency It has a duration of 90 days and will allow the authorities to speed up the purchase of supplies and medicines to deal with the sudden increase in cases notified of Guillain Barre syndrome.
The Peruvian Minister of Health, César Vásquez, declared that “there has been a significant increase in recent weeks that obliges us to take actions as a State to protect the health and life of the population.”
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disease in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.
It is classified as a disease autoimmunein which the immune system itself begins to attack certain parts of an individual’s body, in this case the peripheral nervous system, responsible for communication between the brain and the different regions and structures of our body.
Guillain-Barré disease affects the peripheral nervous systembbc
What causes Guillain-Barré syndrome?
The syndrome is usually triggered by a previous infectious process.
A series of Virus and bacteria have been identified as triggers, including the pathogens that cause Zika, dengue, chikungunya, HIV, hepatitis A, B and C, and covid-19.
However, the health authorities point out that “many viruses and bacteria have been temporarily associated with the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome, although it is generally difficult to prove the true causality of the disease.”
The disease is more common in the age group from 20 to 40 years.
Experts point out that early detection It is crucial for the recovery of the patient.
The main diagnostic methods include clinical tests, nerve conduction studies, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Treatment may involve supportive therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, or plasmapheresis. It is important to consult a doctor for specific information and care.
Being treated in time prevents the disease from progressing and affecting vital muscles for survival, such as the diaphragm, which plays a key role in breathing.
Los first symptoms they tend to be weakness and tingling in the hands and feet.
These sensations can spread rapidly and, over time, paralyze the entire body.
Most people who suffer from it require hospitalization. Although most sufferers make a recovery, the most severe cases can be fatal.
What might have unleashed Guillain-Barré syndrome in Peru
The Peruvian government has not ruled on the possible causes the increase in cases in the country.
Experts point to the possible incidence of the dengue epidemic that for months has mainly affected northern Peru.
According to official figures, this mosquito-borne disease Temples of the Egyptians it has caused 248 deaths in the first half of 2023 alone. There are already more than 146,000 cases and the health crisis cost the then Minister of Health, Rosa Gutiérrez, his job on June 15.
Infectologist Raquel Stucchi, from the State University of Campinas, in Brazil, told BBC Brazil that “dengue might be an explanationbut a broader analysis is needed to make sure that other agents are not behind this situation.”
