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Guatemala - Notification of cluster of acute neurological disease of unknown cause (PAHO, January 29, 2024) - Guillain-Barré identified, cause still u

Translation Google

Neurological disease: Health explains sample analysis results

Contamination by different bacteria has been detected in water and food samples, but the search for other probable causes of the condition continues.

February 16, 2024 8:49 am
Nancy Alvarez

The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) announced this Friday, February 16, the situation of the acute neurological disease , suspected of Guillain Barré , which registers an outbreak in the country. According to the authorities, the majority of cases continue to be present in the department of Suchitepéquez .

Currently, the analysis of samples taken from soil, patients and water sources in the localities where cases have occurred continues. The backyard birds are also checked and the food is examined so that the results can guide what may be the probable cause of the increase in affected patients.

"No food should be stigmatized, as gastrointestinal infections can arise from different sources. As a possible cause of this high case record of Guillain Barré, it has been seen in patients' stool sample the bacterium Campylobacter and quickly associated with chicken, but not only this can contain it, also meat and others," said one of the delegates.

Likewise, he indicated that samples have been taken during February and the results allow us to guide what the probable cause of this situation may be.

Factors ruled out as causes of the disease

According to the samples sent to Atlanta, United States, for now, the presence of poliovirus has been ruled out in cases of acute neurological disease.

In addition, the MSPAS pointed out that Guillain Barré could be caused by diseases such as dengue, chikungunya or Zika, for which samples were taken and analyzed by the National Health Laboratory to find out if they could be triggering factors for this outbreak.

“In all the samples taken from the patients the result was negative, so it is ruled out that this could be one of the causes of this cluster of cases that has occurred specifically in Suchitepéquez,” it was explained at the press conference.

Finding of bacteria

The analyzes carried out on the water have been able to establish the existence of coliform bacteria, shigella and others that are normally present in fecal matter. This contamination of the vital liquid could be causing gastrointestinal diseases that, preliminarily, have been known to occur before the symptoms of the neurological disease appear.

Regarding infections, it was indicated that they can be acquired not only through water, but also through poorly handled food or environmental causes, issues that continue to be analyzed.

Given these findings, the MSPAS reiterated the importance of addressing the following recommendations in order to protect the health of the population:

Wash your hands: before and after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating.
Hygiene when cooking food: avoid contact with raw and cooked food, food must be well cooked, avoid contact of insects with food, disinfect kitchen instruments after preparing food.
Adequate hydration: consume at least eight glasses of water a day.

https://emisorasunidas.com/2024/02/16/enfermedad-neurologica-salud-analisis-muestras/
 
Translation Google

Health establishes that Guillain-Barré syndrome affects the southern coast of the country

By Marysabel Aldana-February 16, 2024

The Ministry of Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) announced this Friday, February 16, that the acute neurological disease, as it was known, was actually Guillain-Barré syndrome, and that it affected the population of the south coast. from the country.

From that account, it was also detailed that of the 72 cases registered, 60 patients are in the process of recovery.

Authorities ruled out studies related to the presence of heavy metals and polio as potential causes.

THEY CONFIRM THE CONDITION
Through a press conference, it was indicated that through the corresponding laboratory analyzes it was possible to establish that the condition that since December 2023, which affects the mobility and muscles of the human body, is Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Although the disease has already been confirmed, authorities continue to conduct extensive investigations into water and food, as part of ongoing efforts to identify and address any contributing factors to these cases of disease, as its origin has not been established. .

Epidemiologist Edgar Santos explained that the outbreak presented a common infectious element. In addition, he highlighted the importance of reinforcing prevention measures.

According to the Ministry of Health, the capabilities of the National Health Laboratory (LNS) staff to identify Campylobacter have been strengthened. In that sense, two workers went to Colombia to specialize.

65 percent of the cases occurred in patients between 30 and 40 years old, according to Ministry of Health authorities.

https://lahora.gt/nacionales/maldan...-guillain-barre-afecta-la-costa-sur-del-pais/

--------------------------------------------------

Health explains what the recently confirmed Guillain Barré Syndrome consists of

By Heidi Loarca Oliva -February 17, 2024

The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) managed to establish that the acute neurological disease that has affected the population in the south of the country is Guillain Barré Syndrome and offers details about the condition.

After confirming that the condition is the aforementioned syndrome, the MSPAS provides details about the disease.

According to the entity, Guillain Barré Syndrome is a rare disorder in which the immune system attacks the nervous system. It has been established that 1 in 3 patients may be affected in the thoracic muscles which makes breathing difficult.

Regarding the probabilities of recovery, the Health Ministry maintains that patients can be fully recovered, including those diagnosed as serious. However, there is a possibility that 2 out of 10 patients will have a slower recovery due to weakness.

Science has not yet been able to establish the specific cause that causes the syndrome in question. So far what has been detected is that the majority of cases suffer from the syndrome after having suffered a bacterial or viral infection.

As a risk factor, Salud warns that the most common thing is if a person has a history of gastroenteritis due to infection with the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria and other bacteria.

Likewise, it can influence as a side effect of other viruses such as Epstein-Barr, influenza, Covid-19 and those arbovirus-related cases such as dengue, zika and chikungunya.

SYMPTOMS OF GUILLAIN BARRÉ SYNDROME
Diarrhea, fever, or breathing problems
Progressive weakness in the legs
Tingling or numbness in arms and hands
Weakness in the muscles of the face

The MSPAS clarifies that Guillain Barré Syndrome is not contagious. However, the entity highlights the following recommendations:

Washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating.
Perform adequate hygiene when cooking food, this means avoiding cross-contact between raw and cooked food. In addition, food should be well cooked and covered, keeping it away from insects. It is also important to disinfect kitchen instruments after preparing food.
Proper hydration is necessary by consuming drinking, chlorinated or boiled water.
Keep all areas of the house and surroundings clean.
Avoid self-medication.
At the first symptoms you should go to the nearest hospital.

Health authorities detail that so far of 72 cases registered, 60 patients are in the process of recovery.

https://lahora.gt/nacionales/hloarc...el-recien-confirmado-sindrome-guillain-barre/

---------------------------------------------

Ministry of Public Health@MinSaludGuate

Guillain Barré Syndrome, Acute Neurological Disease is not contagious from person to person. Let's stay calm and follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health #MSPAS .
...

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8:00 AM · Feb 19, 2024​​



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Translation Google

Guillain-Barré in Guatemala: Ministry of Health continues to investigate the causes

The world of science still does not have a clear answer about the cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Health reports 72 cases in the country.

Yuliza Muñoz by Yuliza Muñoz February 24, 2024
...
Guatemala City, February 24 (AGN).- The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) continues investigating to identify what triggered the viral and bacterial infections that resulted in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The Health Ministry mentions that the cause could be associated with toxic substances, however, it is still being analyzed. According to the MSPAS, one of the most common risk factors is a history of gastroenteritis due to infection with the Campylobacter jejuni bacteria and other bacteria. To all this, Health mentions that the disease could also be related to other viruses such as Esptein-Barr, influenza, COVID-19, linked to arboviruses such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
...

https://agn.gt/guillain-barre-en-guatemala-ministerio-de-salud-continua-investigando-las-causas/
 
Translation Google

Update on cases of acute neurological disease Guillain Barré

RELEASE

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE -


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February 26, 2024

The well-being and health care of the Guatemalan population being crucial, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance -MSPAS- continues with monitoring, surveillance, studies and prevention measures against the acute neurological disease Guillain Barré. Of this account, to date 80 accumulated cases have been reported, with symptom onset dates from November 24, 2023 to February 25, 2024; In addition, the record of five deaths continues.

Suchitepéquez continues to register the highest number of cases with 63 in the following municipalities:

• Cuyotenango 16
• Samayac 9
• Mazatenango 8
• San Bernardino 7
• Chicacao 7
• San Pablo Jocopilas 4
• San Antonio 4
• San Francisco Zapotitlán 2 •
Santo Tomás La Unión 2 •
San José La Maquina 2 •
San Lorenzo 1
• Pueblo Nuevo 1

They are followed by Retalhuleu with nine cases in San Andrés Villa Seca (6), departmental cacabecera (1), Nuevo San Carlos (1) and San Felipe (1), two cases in Huehuetenango, two in Quetzaltenango, of which one is in the departmental capital and another in Colomba Costa Cuca.

In the department of Guatemala there are two cases, one in the capital city and another in Villa Nueva; two in Sololá, of which one is in Nahualá and another in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán.
The Ministry of Health teams continue the investigation to advance in the causes of the outbreak or unusual increase in cases. Added to this is the field work carried out in Suchitepéquez with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which has allowed interviews to be carried out with patients, medical personnel and the taking of samples in water and food supply systems. among others, with which the following results have been obtained:

• Inspections in 21 municipalities
• Monitoring of food businesses in markets, street sales, sales of alcoholic beverages
• 19 establishments closed preventively in Cuyotenango (13), San Bernardino (4) and Río Bravo (2).
• Talks to food handlers
• Extension of food handling cards issued
• Notices to vendors to request their food handling cards, which are essential, since it allows them to establish that they have received the educational talks

The Health portfolio reiterates to the population that health care efforts belong to everyone, since when implementing prevention measures we are contributing to the benefit of our communities.
...

https://prensa.gob.gt/comunicado/ac...e-enfermedad-neurologica-aguda-guillain-barre
 
Translation Google

Update on cases of acute neurological disease Guillain Barré

RELEASE

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE -MSPAS-


February 28, 2024

Guaranteeing the well-being and health of the Guatemalan population is a priority for the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance -MSPAS- which maintains monitoring, surveillance, studies and prevention measures against the acute neurological disease Guillain Barré, of which To date, 82 accumulated cases have been reported, with the date of onset of symptoms from November 24, 2023 to February 26, 2024, with five deaths recorded.

Suchitepéquez remains the department with the most cases, 65, distributed in the municipalities of:

• Cuyotenango 16
• Samayac 10
• Mazatenango 8
• San Bernardino 8
• Chicacao 7
• San Pablo Jocopilas 4
• San Antonio 4
• San Francisco Zapotitlán 2
• Santo Tomás La Unión 2 •
San José La Maquina 2
• San Lorenzo 1
• Pueblo Nuevo 1

Retalhuleu reports nine cases in San Andrés Villa Seca (6), in the departmental capital (1), Nuevo San Carlos (1) and San Felipe (1). While there are two cases in Huehuetenango and two in Quetzaltenango, one is in the departmental capital and another in Colomba Costa Cuca. In the department of Guatemala, one case is reported in the capital city and another in Villa Nueva. Meanwhile, Sololá, one is recorded in Nahualá and another in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán.

The Ministry of Health teams continue the investigation to advance in the causes of the outbreak or unusual increase in cases.
...

https://prensa.gob.gt/comunicado/ac...enfermedad-neurologica-aguda-guillain-barre-0
 
Translation Google

Update on cases of acute neurological disease Guillain Barré

RELEASE
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE -MSPAS-


March 2, 2024

Guaranteeing the well-being and health of the Guatemalan population is a priority for the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance -MSPAS- which maintains monitoring, surveillance, studies and prevention measures against the acute neurological disease Guillain Barré, of which To date, 83 accumulated cases have been reported, with the date of onset of symptoms from November 24, 2023 to February 26, 2024, withfive deaths recorded.

Suchitepéquez remains the department with the most cases, 66, distributed in the municipalities of:

• Cuyotenango 16
• Samayac 10
• Mazatenango 8
• San Bernardino 8
• Chicacao 7
• San Pablo Jocopilas 4
• San Antonio 4
• San Francisco Zapotitlán 2
• Santo Tomás La Unión 2 •
San José La Maquina 2
• San Lorenzo 1
• Pueblo Nuevo 1
• Saint Joseph of the Idol 1

Retalhuleu reports nine cases in San Andrés Villa Seca (6), in the departmental capital (1), Nuevo San Carlos (1) and San Felipe (1). While there are two cases in Huehuetenango and two in Quetzaltenango, one is in the departmental capital and another in Colomba Costa Cuca. In the department of Guatemala, one case is reported in the capital city and another in Villa Nueva. Meanwhile, Sololá, one is recorded in Nahualá and another in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán.

Currently there are 72 patients in the process of recovery, 6 hospitalized and 5 people who have died.

The Ministry of Health teams continue the investigation to advance in the causes of the outbreak or unusual increase in cases.
...

https://prensa.gob.gt/comunicado/ac...enfermedad-neurologica-aguda-guillain-barre-1
 
Update on cases of acute neurological disease Guillain Barré

RELEASE

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE -MSPAS-


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March 20, 2024

Guaranteeing the well-being and health of the Guatemalan population is a priority for the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance -MSPAS- which maintains monitoring, surveillance, studies and prevention measures against the acute neurological disease Guillain Barré. Meanwhile, the population continues to implement prevention measures. According to the latest update, to date 87 accumulated cases have been reported, with the date of onset of symptoms from November 24, 2023 to February 27, 2024, with five deaths recorded.

This joint work between the population and authorities has allowed the Guillain Barré outbreak to be controlled, for which the Ministry of Health thanks the population for the positive response to the recommendations and urges them to continue with the prevention measures provided by the Director of Epidemiology. and Risk Management, Dr. Edgar Santos: “It is necessary to continue with the actions of constant hand washing with soap and water, consume chlorinated or boiled water, cook food well, avoid mixing cooked foods with raw foods, among others to avoid getting sick. and thus be susceptible to the disease.”

Suchitepéquez remains the department with the most cases, 70, distributed in the municipalities of:

• Cuyotenango 16
• Samayac 10
• Mazatenango 9
• San Bernardino 8
• Chicacao 7
• San Pablo Jocopilas 4
• San Antonio 5
• San Francisco Zapotitlán 3 •
Santo Tomás La Unión 3 • San
José La Maquina 2 •
San Lorenzo 1
• Pueblo Nuevo 1
• Saint Joseph of the Idol 1

Retalhuleu reports nine cases in San Andrés Villa Seca (6), in the departmental capital (1), Nuevo San Carlos (1) and San Felipe (1). While there are two cases in Huehuetenango and two in Quetzaltenango, one is in the departmental capital and another in Colomba Costa Cuca. In the department of Guatemala, one case is reported in the capital city and another in Villa Nueva. Meanwhile, Sololá, one is recorded in Nahualá and another in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán.

Currently there are 80 patients in the process of recovery, 2 hospitalized and 5 people who have died.

The majority of patients belong to the group between 30 and 64 years (67%), with an average age of 41 years, median age 43 years, with a predominance of males 64.4%.

The Ministry of Health teams continue the investigation to advance in the causes of the outbreak or unusual increase in cases. Added to this is the field work carried out in Suchitepéquez with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which has allowed interviews to be carried out with patients, medical personnel and the taking of samples in water and food supply systems. among others.

Likewise, informative talks are held for food handlers who must carry their respective card that determines that they have received the workshops related to the protection of consumer health.

The Ministry of Health reiterates its commitment to ensure the well-being of Guatemalans and urges the population not to "let down their guard", since health care is everyone's task.

https://prensa.gob.gt/comunicado/ac...enfermedad-neurologica-aguda-guillain-barre-2
 
Guatemala: Officials find contaminated food played role in Guillain-Barré outbreak, campylobacter mentioned

April 28, 2024
By News Desk

Consumption of poorly prepared food has been identified as a factor in a fatal Guillain-Barré outbreak in Guatemala.

Findings come from the results of case control studies announced by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) and the Guatemalan Institute of Social Security (IGSS). ...

In total, 87 cases were reported in the outbreak, of which five died. 40 percent of patients were recorded in Cuyotenango and Samayac, in the Suchitepéquez region, and 80 percent were between 15 and 64 years old. ...

Presence of Campylobacter was confirmed in some of the stool samples taken, suggesting transmission of the bacteria in food. ...

https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024...-food-played-role-in-guillain-barre-outbreak/


 
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