Unusual increase – several deaths already: Peru declares a health emergency over a rare disease

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Peru has declared a public health emergency following an unusual spike in cases of mental illness. “Due to the unusual increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome, a national health emergency has been declared for 90 days.”

The Peruvian Ministry of Health said this on Saturday (local time). All 25 regions of the Andes country with a total of about 33 million inhabitants have been affected.

Four people have already died

In recent weeks, the number of cases has increased sharply, “which forces us to take measures at the state level to protect the health and life of the population,” Health Minister César Vásquez told journalists.

Since January, the number of cases has risen to 180 and four people have already died. The declaration of a health emergency thus makes it possible to purchase immunoglobulins for the treatment of affected people for the next two years.

Disease can affect the respiratory system

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Muscle weakness usually worsens within two to four weeks and can affect the respiratory system. One of the most common symptoms is tingling and weakness in the limbs.

If the disease is treated, it can usually be cured quickly. Guillain-Barré syndrome has emerged in the past as a serious complication of Covid-19 disease. In rare cases, it also occurs after surgery or vaccination. (SDA/neo)

Source: Blick