Peru is facing a crisis as over 230 people have been affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare paralyzing neurological disorder. This alarming situation has prompted the government to declare a national emergency, and the World Health Organization has issued a disease outbreak alert.
The disorder, which involves the immune system attacking peripheral nerves, has already claimed the lives of four individuals. It typically begins with muscle weakness and numbness, progressing to paralysis and, in some cases, the need for mechanical ventilation.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome, also known as GBS, is usually seen in Peru at a rate of fewer than 20 suspected cases per month. However, between June 10 and July 15, the country recorded 130 cases, including the four fatalities. This brings the total number of cases this year to 231, according to the latest report from the WHO.
The outbreak has affected various regions across Peru, with 20 out of the country’s 24 governmental departments reporting at least one case. Some departments, such as Lima, Piura, Lambayeque, and Cusco, have experienced higher numbers. Notably, no other countries in the Americas have reported an increase in GBS cases.
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The cause of this outbreak remains puzzling, despite Peru having experienced a previous alarming surge in GBS cases. In 2019, the country saw nearly 700 cases between May and July, with the total exceeding 900. Prior to that, GBS outbreaks were considered significant when they reached 30 to 50 cases.
Researchers have identified the intestinal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni as the likely culprit behind the unprecedented 2019 outbreak. This bacterium, commonly associated with food poisoning and diarrheal cases, is also a leading trigger for GBS.
Unusual Suspect
There are indications that C. jejuni may be responsible for the current GBS outbreak in Peru. Out of 22 clinical samples taken from Peruvian patients between June and July, 14 (63 percent) tested positive for this gut microbe. However, many questions remain unanswered, including how it is spreading.
In a 2020 report, researchers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Peru’s CDC, and Peru’s national health institute documented their investigation of the outbreak. They observed that the C. jejuni isolates were closely related, and the number of cases rapidly rose and then declined, suggesting a “point-source exposure.” However, the cases were spread across geographically distinct regions, making a single source unlikely.
“Because the outbreaks occurred in many geographically separated regions, we questioned how all areas were exposed to C. jejuni within a short time frame,” the researchers wrote, leaving the question unanswered.
The government of Peru has declared a public health emergency in the city of El Carmen de La Leguna, located in the northern region of the country, due to a mysterious neurological disorder that has affected more than 230 individuals.
The unexplained neurological disorder has presented itself with symptoms that include a sudden onset of multiple muscular contrations which appears to last up to a few hours and then diminish. These symptoms have affected adults and children of all ages, however, no deaths have been reported to date.
At this stage, it is unknown what is causing the phenomenon, although the government has conducted preliminary tests that concede that contamination by toxins, both environmental and from food sources, may be at the root of the issue.
The Ministry of Health has called for a full investigation and have reassured the public they will take whatever measures necessary to address the issue, requesting that people remain calm and follow the instructions from the Ministry of Health.
A regional task force has been set up, including members from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Environment and local organizations, which is working in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO).
At present, the Ministry of Health has informed the public that they will not be carrying out compulsory medical tests such as blood samples, although it is recommended that anyone with the same or similar symptoms seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The government has also encouraged the population to help in the investigation by providing further information anywhere it may be available.
Authorities are confident that the situation will be brought under control as soon as the cause of the issue has been identified and necessary measures can be taken. In the meantime, the people of Peru are being asked to report any related cases to the Ministry of Health, help protect their community and support each other during this difficult time.
