The Peruvian government has declared a state of health emergency national for the epidemic from Guillain-Barré syndrome. There is alarm among people over the rare disease that can paralyze and even lead to death. The neurological disorder has already struck 165 people and resulted in at least 4 deaths.
What’s happening in Peru
The government of Peru has declared the state of national health emergency for the syndrome of Guillain-Barré. It hasn’t happened since the coronavirus outbreak. The request came after the contagion of at least 165 people and the death of 4 of these.
Local media report the reasons for the decision: improve patient care in healthcare facilities, but also and above all strengthen control of suspected cases e prepare the material informative for the population and health personnel. Essential in this case theacquisition of immunoglobulins for the treatment of patients.
Guillain-Barré syndrome affects 1.5 people for every 100,000 inhabitants
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome
The Guillain-Barré syndrome it is a disease of the nervous system. It is a rare pathology that occurs completely suddenly with tiredness and muscle weakness, but also loss of sensitivity and paralysis temporary.
The origin of the syndrome is still unknown, even if it is associated with a post-infection viral or bacterial condition such as the Zika virus (of which there is also alarm in Italy) or Campylobacter infection. Cases of the syndrome have been reported following the J&J vaccine against Covid-19. Currently, from January to July, it has occurred more frequently in males who have had a previous infection.
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How to cure
Sudden and painful, the Guillain-Barré syndrome is treated in the hospital with the administration of immunoglobulins (antibody-rich solution) intravenously for a minimum of 5 days. The treatment is still experimental, considering that little is known even about the origin of the disease itself.
If the immunoglobulins are not effective, we move on to filtering of toxic substances from the blood (platelet apheresis, or donation of platelets). In the most serious cases, a large amount of blood is replaced. There are no other known drugs and research is not focused on preventing or combating the syndrome.
Photo source: ANSA
2023-07-11 06:54:00
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