What is Guillain-Barre syndrome that has caused Peru to declare an emergency?

Peru has announced a 90-day national emergency in response to an "unusual increase" in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases. The autoimmune disease has resulted in the deaths of four individuals in the country, with 180 people currently undergoing treatment for the condition.

The government has imposed the emergency declaration to expedite the acquisition of necessary supplies and medicines to address the surge in reported cases.

Peru's Ministry of Health is actively investigating the cause behind the rapid spread of the infection. Researchers suspect a potential link between the recent outbreak of GBS and Zika virus cases in the country.

Understanding Guillain-Barre syndrome

This disease involves the immune system attacking parts of the patient's peripheral nervous system. It affects nerves responsible for muscle movement, as well as those involved in pain, sensation, and body temperature transmission.

This can lead to muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the limbs.

Recognizing the initial symptoms

Weakness and tingling in the hands are typically the initial signs of this disease. These sensations can rapidly spread and potentially result in full-body paralysis. However, the exact cause of the disease remains unknown.

A person who is infected with this disease might also experience tiredness and reflexes might also turn slow.

In some patients, the symptoms are mild while they can also turn severe in some, with patients even getting breathing problems.

Diagnosis process

GBS is diagnosed by extracting a small amount of spinal fluid through a needle inserted into the patient's lower back. This fluid is examined to assess the protein levels, which tend to be significantly elevated in GBS cases.

In some instances, doctors may perform plasmapheresis to cleanse the patient's blood. This procedure involves replacing the liquid portion of the patient's blood with donor plasma or a plasma substitute.

Is it life threatening? 

If left untreated, GBS can be life-threatening. However, the majority of individuals recover from the disease within six months. In some cases, recovery may take up to one year.

As there is currently no known cure for GBS, medications are administered to alleviate accompanying symptoms.

Global efforts

The World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating with countries to manage GBS in the context of the Zika virus, providing support and guidance.