Peru declares health emergency after surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases
Peru is facing a health crisis as the number of cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder, has increased significantly in the past few months. The Peruvian government has declared a 90-day nationwide emergency to deal with the situation and provide adequate care and treatment to the affected patients.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a condition that affects the immune system, causing it to attack the nerves of the body. This can lead to muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, pain and in severe cases, paralysis or even death. The symptoms usually start in the feet or legs and then spread to the arms and upper body. Some people may also experience difficulty breathing, swallowing, speaking or seeing.
The exact cause of GBS is unknown, but it is often triggered by an infection, such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Some cases have also been linked to vaccinations, surgery or trauma. GBS is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
GBS is a rare disorder that affects about one in 100,000 people worldwide. It can affect anyone at any age, but it is more common in older adults and males. The severity and duration of GBS vary from person to person. Some people may recover fully within a few weeks or months, while others may have permanent nerve damage or disability.
How is Guillain-Barré Syndrome diagnosed and treated?
GBS is diagnosed based on the symptoms, medical history and physical examination of the patient. Some tests may also be done to confirm the diagnosis, such as nerve conduction studies, electromyography or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
There is no cure for GBS, but there are treatments that can help reduce the severity of the symptoms and prevent complications. The main treatments are:
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): This is a solution of antibodies that can help block the harmful effects of the immune system on the nerves.
- Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis): This is a procedure that removes and replaces the plasma (the liquid part of the blood) that contains the antibodies that attack the nerves.
- Supportive care: This includes monitoring and managing the vital functions of the patient, such as breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. It may also involve pain relief, physical therapy, nutrition and psychological support.
The treatment usually requires hospitalization and intensive care for several days or weeks. The recovery process may take months or years depending on the extent of nerve damage.
Why did Peru declare a health emergency?
Peru has witnessed an unusual increase in GBS cases since June 2023. According to the latest report from the Ministry of Health¹, 182 cases have been reported nationwide, of which 147 have been discharged, 31 remain hospitalized and four have died. The most affected regions are Lima, Junín, Piura and La Libertad.
The health authorities have not identified the cause of the outbreak yet, but they suspect it may be related to a respiratory virus that has been circulating in the country. They have also ruled out any association with COVID-19 or its vaccines.
The health emergency was declared on July 8 by President Dina Booluarte² to allocate more resources and personnel to deal with the situation. The emergency measures include:
- The acquisition of intravenous immunoglobulin and human albumin for the treatment of patients.
- The specialized diagnosis of the biological agents associated with GBS.
- The air-assisted transport of patients in emergency or critical condition.
- The intensification of prevention, surveillance and response actions for GBS.
- The dissemination of information and recommendations for the population and health personnel.
The health emergency will last for 90 days and will cover all 24 departments and one constitutional province of Peru.
How can Guillain-Barré Syndrome be prevented?
There is no specific way to prevent GBS, but some general measures can help reduce the risk of infection or complications. These include:
- Practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding contact with sick people and staying home if unwell.
- Getting vaccinated against diseases that can trigger GBS, such as influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis B.
- Seeking medical attention promptly if experiencing any symptoms of GBS, such as weakness, numbness or tingling in the limbs.
- Following the advice of health professionals regarding treatment and rehabilitation for GBS.
GBS is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone you know has any signs or symptoms of GBS, do not hesitate to call an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital.
Source:
(1) What is Guillain-Barre syndrome? All you need to know as Peru declares national emergency amid surge in cases. https://www.livemint.com/news/world/what-is-guillain-barre-syndrome-all-you-need-to-know-as-peru-declares-national-emergency-amid-surge-in-cases-11688993091089.html.
(2) Peru declares health emergency after surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome .... https://www.cnbctv18.com/healthcare/peru-declares-emergency-after-surge-in-guillain-barr-syndrome-cases-all-you-need-about-rare-neurological-disorder-17174911.htm.
(3) What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome? Know about the disorder declared a health emergency in Peru. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/what-is-guillain-barr-syndrome-know-about-the-disorder-declared-a-health-emergency-in-peru/articleshow/101643969.cms.
(4) Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Health emergency declared in Peru. https://en.mercopress.com/2023/07/10/guillain-barre-syndrome-health-emergency-declared-in-peru.
(5) What is Guillain-Barré syndrome, the outbreak that forced Peru to .... https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-guillain-barre-syndrome-the-outbreak-that-forced-peru-to-declare-emergency-613998.
FAQ's
What is the emergency treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
The most commonly used treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). When you have Guillain-Barré syndrome, the immune system (the body's natural defences) produces harmful antibodies that attack the nerves. IVIG is a treatment made from donated blood that contains healthy antibodies.
What is the emergency in Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Weakness and tingling in your hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. In its most severe form Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition must be hospitalized to receive treatment.
Why is the patient with suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome GBS hospitalized immediately?
People with Guillain-Barré syndrome are hospitalized immediately because symptoms can worsen rapidly. Immune globulin given intravenously or plasma exchange speeds recovery.
Is Guillain-Barré syndrome GBS and Covid?
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is one of the neurological manifestations in COVID-19. The symptoms can vary from being mild to very severe including needing mechanical ventilation and death. Management depends on clinical severity of the disease ranging from conservative therapy to immune-mediated therapy.
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