Guillain-Barré Syndrome : Peru Has Declared a State Of National Emergency
Peru has declared a state of national emergency amid a surge in patient suffering from Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves.
- It is more common in adults and males, but it can affect people of all ages.
- The first symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include weakness or tingling sensations. They usually start in the legs, and can spread to the arms and face.
- For some people, these symptoms can lead to paralysis of the legs, arms, or muscles in the face.
- It is often preceded by an infection.
- This could be a bacterial or viral infection.
- The most frequently associated infections include Campylobacter jejuni, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the bacteria responsible for pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
- It may also be triggered by vaccine administration or surgery.
- There is no known cure for this syndrome.
- The most commonly used treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is made from donated blood that contains healthy antibodies.
