The General Directorate of Epidemiology of the Federal Government in Mexico has issued an “epidemiological alert for outbreaks of acute flaccid paralysis” in Nayarit and Orizaba (Veracruz). There have been 7 cases in Nayarit and 23 in Orizaba. There have been two deaths registered so far. One of the deceased was diagnosed with Guillain Barre syndrome.
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare, but sometimes fatal, inflammatory disease that affects the peripheral nervous system and can leave its victims temporarily paralyzed. GBS typically affects people after a minor infection like a respiratory or gastrointestinal one. If GBS affects respiratory muscles, its effects can be fatal because those inflicted will no longer be able to breathe. First symptoms of GBS include tingling or weakness in the legs followed by a spread of the same feelings in the arms and upper body. This ascending spread can take weeks or happen in a matter of days.
