Peru is currently facing a perplexing surge of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a paralyzing illness, leading the authorities to declare a national health emergency. From the beginning of this year until now, there have been 231 reported cases of GBS, with more than half occurring within a brief five-week period from June to July.
The majority of patients have experienced progressive paralysis, starting from the feet and legs and gradually spreading to the torso and upper extremities. During the peak five-week period, samples taken from patients by Peruvian health officials revealed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria commonly found in contaminated food and water. This same bacteria was responsible for a previous GBS outbreak in Peru four years ago.
It is important to note that GBS is not transmitted between individuals in the same way as a viral or bacterial flu. Although devastating, it rarely results in death. Nevertheless, the Peruvian government acted swiftly and declared a state of emergency, mobilizing medical resources to all 25 regions of the country.
The current pace of new GBS cases is expected to surpass the monthly average of about 20 cases. The outbreak has the potential to impact Peru’s tourism industry, which attracts over 3 million visitors each year, with the United States being a significant contributor. In 2021, Peru witnessed approximately 177,000 American tourists, making up around 40% of the total tourists.
During the period from June 10 to July 15, out of the 130 reported cases, 44 were confirmed as GBS, while the remaining cases are suspected. Tragically, there have been four deaths associated with GBS this year. Weakness and paralysis, starting from the lower extremities and progressing upwards, were predominant symptoms among affected patients. Even after the paralysis subsides, many individuals continue to experience sensory disturbances and muscle coordination issues.
Typically, peak weakness occurs between two to four weeks after the initial symptoms appear, and paralysis usually resolves within a few weeks to several months. However, in some cases, recovery may take longer, extending beyond several months or even up to a year. The majority of patients are males aged 30 and older.
Since the beginning of the year, the highest number of GBS cases has been observed in seven regions of Peru: Lima and Callao, La Libertad, Piura, Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Junín, and Cusco. This surge is unprecedented compared to historical data gathered by the World Health Organization, which reported an average of less than 20 suspected GBS cases per month nationwide.
The cause of this unexpected increase in GBS cases is still under investigation. The World Health Organization has advised member states to closely monitor the incidence and trends of neurological disorders, particularly GBS, in order to respond effectively and address any potential public health concerns.
Health officials have conducted sample testing on GBS patients during the peak period and discovered that 14 out of 22 samples were positive for Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium known to cause gastroenteritis and a common risk factor for GBS.
GBS is an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to weakened nerve signals and muscle function. It is often triggered by viral or bacterial infections, such as gastroenteritis or respiratory infections. It’s worth noting that 23% of GBS cases begin with a gastrointestinal infection, while slightly over 24% start with a respiratory infection. Fortunately, most individuals with GBS do recover, with a fatality rate of approximately 3%.
In summary, Peru is grappling with a widespread outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, prompting urgent actions from the government and healthcare authorities. The investigation into the root cause and a comprehensive response to this public health concern remains ongoing.
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