Peru's National Emergency: Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak and Immunoglobulin Shortage

The Peruvian government has declared a state of national emergency due to a spike in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis. GBS occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own peripheral nerve cells, damaging the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves. The exact cause of GBS is not fully understood, but it is often associated with recent infections or vaccinations. While there is no cure for GBS, treatments such as plasma exchange and immunoglobulin therapy can help reduce the severity of the disease. Recovery can take several months to years.