issued an epidemiological alert due to the increase in Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases in seven Peruvian regions, the
The health authority said the alert determines that public and private healthcare services intensify surveillance, prevention, and response actions to possible cases and their presence, thereby guaranteeing timely care.
To date, the CDC Peru has reported 108 cases nationwide. Those regions with the most registered cases are: Lima (26), La Libertad (20), Piura (12), Cajamarca (11), Junín (8), Cusco (7), and Callao (5).
448 cases were reported during 2020. A total of 210 were registered in 2021. These were followed by 225 in 2022 —with a weekly average of 4 cases.
Recommendations
National Health Institute (INS) infectious disease physician Luis Pampa Espinoza explained that
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an immunological condition, described as paralysis in which muscle weakness is progressive.
According to the specialist, the syndrome usually begins with tingling and weakness that is first felt in the feet and legs and then spreads to the upper body and arms.
As this syndrome progresses, muscle weakness may turn into paralysis.
In a large percentage of patients who had this syndrome, there is a history of gastrointestinal or respiratory infection two weeks or one month prior to the onset of the condition, the INS specialist specified.
Therefore, the population is urged to adopt preventive hygiene measures, such as: washing hands with soap and water (before and after eating, plus after going to restrooms/bathrooms); cooking food well before eating it; covering the mouth and nose with the inner angle of the arm or with the help of a disposable tissue, never with a hand.
Lastly,
Minsa pointed out it is important that the population recognize muscle weakness and, in the event of any difficulty walking, people should be taken to the nearest health facility for proper care.