Health emergency in Peru due to the spread of cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome

by supreme decree, Government declared a national health emergency due to increase in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. This measure comes into force from today, July 8, and will last for 90 calendar days.

Supreme Decree No. 019-2023-SA was published in the Bulletin “Legal Regulations” in the “Official Gazette of El Peruano”, indicating that the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Health are responsible for the immediate implementation of the actions detailed in the Action Plan entitled “Health emergency due to unusual rise in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) at the national level”which is attached as Schedule I to this Supreme Decree.

The action plan of the relevant actors includes activities related to epidemiological surveillanceinvestigation and control of rising cases Guillain Barre, supply of pharmaceutical products, patient care in health services, communication, monitoring and evaluation.

This year, 18 departments out of 24 and a constitutional province presented at least one case of GBS, amounting to a total of 165 reported cases And 4 deathsoriginating in the departments of Cajamarca (1), La Libertad (1) and Lima (2).

This unusual rise in ward cases dates back to Epidemiological weekup to (SE) 6, registered in 7 departments; then in SE 12 and 21 in 6 departments; and in SE 24 it was reported in 9 departments, so Epidemiological alert – CDC-No. 015-2023.

An unusual increase in the number of cases of a rare disease, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, in a short period of time negatively affects the continuity of health services, lack of sufficient strategic resources respond to the volume and complexity of cases in different healthcare settings.

Lack of medicines for treatment Cases of Guillain Barre This resulted in the death of four people and the hospitalization of 31 more Peruvians.

From January to July 7 last year, 182 cases of this syndrome were detected. Lima, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Piura and Junin are the regions with the highest number of affected.

He Last Wednesdayduring a meeting of the Council of Ministers, Cesar Vasquez, Minister of Health, called for this emergency measure to ensure an adequate supply of immunoglobulin necessary for the treatment of patients.

“If the casuistry intensifies, there may be a shortage of immunoglobulin, in connection with which we asked that a public health emergency be declared in the coming days due to Guillain barre and you can purchase the necessary vials of immunoglobulin and put them at the service of the population,” Sanchez said after the meeting Council of Ministersdeclared by the Andean Agency.

90 days after the end declaration of a public health emergency, the involved organizations referred to in Article II must report on the activities and resources used under the Action Plan. They must also report on the results achieved, following the provisions of Articles 24 and after Regulation of Legislative Decree No. 1156. This legislative decree is directed guarantee health care in situations where there is a high risk or damage to the health and life of people.

Regarding funding, it is indicated that this decree is funded in accordance with the provisions of article 16 The provisions of Legislative Decree No. 1156 approved Supreme Decree No. 007-2014-SA.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a condition that can result from acute infection caused by bacteria or viruses. Its initial symptoms are characterized by weakness and tingling in the feet and legs, which can then spread to other parts of the body, such as the upper body. In more serious situations, it can cause paralysis.