Peru: Authorities maintain nationwide Health Emergency as of July 20 due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Event

Authorities in Peru are maintaining a Health Emergency as of July 20 due to a high number of cases of Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS) nationwide.

Health officials issued a national health emergency for 90 calendar days starting June 26 due to the unusual increase in cases of GBS in various regions. This declaration is intended to trigger the necessary administrative measures but does not imply confinement or restrictions on movement within the country. As of mid-July, the national health emergency remains in place, with 237 cases of GBS reported. Disease activity has only increased by 24 percent since the outbreak’s peak during the week of June 26, where 191 GBS cases were reported. Weekly disease incidence continues to decline, with an average of 25 GBS cases reported compared to 41 cases reported on June 11. According to the historical series (excluding the 2019 outbreak), in previous years, the average monthly number of GBS cases registered was less than 20 cases per month nationwide in Peru. However, during the week of July 17, there has only been one GBS case reported thus far. The most at-risk department remains Lima which has reported 25 percent of GBS cases.

The disease is not contagious; therefore, there is no risk of person-to-person transmission.

Context

Potential risk
Peruvian health officials have stated that they have the disease under control and that cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome occur every year. Health officials reported 225 cases in 2022, 210 in 2020, and 448 in 2020. Health officials issued an epidemiological alert to notify health personnel of the increase in cases of Guillain Barré Syndrome in some regions of the country and to intensify epidemiological surveillance, prevention, and response in healthcare facilities.

In GBS patients, the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The syndrome can affect the nerves that control muscle movement and transmit pain, temperature, and touch sensations. This can result in muscle weakness and loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms. It is a rare condition, and while it is more common in adults and males, people of all ages can be affected. Symptoms typically last a few weeks, with most individuals recovering without long-term, severe neurological complications.

Disease Overview
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is often preceded by an infection. This could be a bacterial or viral infection. Guillain-Barre Syndrome may also be triggered by vaccine administration or surgery. While the exact cause of the disorder is not yet known, reports suggested that two-thirds of patients saw symptoms of an infection - COVID-19, gastrointestinal infection, or Zika virus - in the six weeks preceding. However, this has not yet been determined for the current outbreak in Peru.

Advice

Practice basic health precautions to prevent contracting an infection. If you suspect that you have symptoms of Guillan-Barre Syndrome, contact your healthcare provider.