Emergency Declared in Peru for Guillain-Barré Syndrome
The Peruvian government has declared a national health emergency for 90 days due to a significant increase in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This decision was made to address the situation promptly, as it poses a risk to public health.
According to the Ministry of Health, there have been four deaths and over 180 cases of GBS reported between January and July. To tackle this emergency and provide adequate care for those affected, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (INS), will implement an action plan.
The Action Plan includes several measures to address the situation effectively. First, there will be intensified epidemiological surveillance to collect and analyze data on GBS cases. This will help monitor the spread of the syndrome and identify any patterns or risk factors associated with it.
Thorough investigations of GBS cases will be conducted to identify the causes and possible triggers. Control measures will also be implemented to limit the spread of the disease.
Technical assistance will be provided to healthcare facilities involved in managing GBS cases. Additionally, the execution of programmed epidemiological surveillance activities will be monitored to ensure an adequate response to the emergency.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nerves, which connect the central nervous system with the rest of the body. The main symptom is muscle weakness, initially appearing in the legs and later progressing to the arms. Other symptoms may include abnormal sensations (paresthesias), facial and oropharyngeal muscle weakness, respiratory insufficiency, blood pressure fluctuations, cardiac arrhythmias, and changes in ocular motility.
The onset of Guillain-Barré syndrome is often rapid, and in severe cases, it can cause total paralysis and respiratory failure. Prompt medical attention is crucial in such cases.
The emergency declaration in Peru highlights the urgency of addressing the increasing cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. With the implementation of the government’s action plan, it is hoped that the spread of the disease can be controlled, and adequate care can be provided to those affected.
Sources:
– Ministry of Health, Peru