Peru is facing a grave problem right now.Many people in the country have gotten sick with a rare disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome. This illness has the potential to leave them paralysed for their whole lives or even cause death.
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- Natives Fall Sick With A Mystery Outbreak Of Paralysing Disease In Peru
- What Is GBS?
Natives Fall Sick With A Mystery Outbreak Of Paralysing Disease In Peru
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The situation is so serious that the government has declared a national state of emergency. In a short period of just five weeks, from June to July, over 230 cases of this syndrome have been reported in the country, with more than half of them happening during that time. Doctors are working hard to fight this outbreak and keep people safe.
Usually, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is not very common, and it affects around 3,000 people in the US each year, as reported by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
However, in Peru, there is currently a serious outbreak of this rare disease. Since the beginning of the year, four people have died from it, which is a cause for concern for health officials. They are trying to figure out the reason behind this sudden increase in cases, but as of now, the cause is still unknown.
Peru is a well-liked destination for travellers due to its many tourist attractions, such as the fascinating archaeological site of Machu Picchu. However, officials are advising tourists to take sensible precautions while visiting the country.
What Is GBS?
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GBS is a type of neurological disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nervous system. The initial sign of this condition is usually a tingling sensation, like pins and needles, felt in the legs. This feeling can slowly move upward to affect the arms and upper body.
The symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually over a few weeks. Other signs of GBS may include trouble breathing, double vision, difficulty walking steadily, fever, and issues with controlling the bladder or bowels.
Currently, there is no cure for GBS, and even if people manage to recover, they may still experience some lasting paralysis or nerve damage.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn