Second death confirmed in Tlaxcala due to Guillain-Barré syndrome: How many active cases are there?

Guillain Barré Syndrome keeps the red lights active in Tlaxcala. (X/@GobTlaxcala)

A few hours after the first death was confirmed in Tlaxcala due to Guillain-Barré syndrome, the entity’s Health authorities reported the second recorded death.

According to the information, it was a 65-year-old man who was in the Zone 1 General Hospital of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). The causes of death were respiratory and hemodynamic complications associated with the syndrome.

The patient, who had been admitted to the intensive care unit for inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy resulting from Guillain-Barré syndrome, was being treated with mechanical ventilation. Despite the efforts of the medical staff, who applied advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers after the absence of a central pulse, the man did not respond and died.

This event adds to another death reported hours before, bringing to two the deaths linked to this syndrome in Tlaxcala, which is on epidemiological alert.

Immediate attention to symptoms of Guillain Barré

According to the information, the first fatality of this syndrome in Tlaxcala was a 48-year-old man with a chronic-degenerative disease. The victim was admitted to the same hospital mentioned above.

The Tlaxcala Health Sector has urged the population to adopt preventive measures to avoid diseases related to this syndrome. Among the recommendations are frequent hand washing, consumption of boiled or chlorinated water, adequate washing of fruits and vegetables, and correct cooking of food, especially meat products, as effective methods to reduce the risk of contracting the syndrome. by Guillain-Barré.

In addition, Rigoberto Zamudio, head of the Tlaxcala Health Secretariat, said that currently there are 26 active cases in the entity, of which there are 11 seriously hospitalized, including two minors.

Likewise, there are 66 suspected cases in the region. The municipalities with the highest number of confirmed cases are the capital Tlaxcala, Calpulalpan and Santa Cruz Tlaxcala. It should be noted that the first case occurred in Ixtenco.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which is treatable and is not contagious like COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus. (AFP)

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks peripheral nerves. This attack on the nervous system can cause weakness, often accompanied by tingling in the lower extremities, which often extends to the upper body and can intensify to paralysis.

The symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome can range from mild to severe and may include the following:

• Muscle weakness or tingling sensation in the legs that may spread to the arms and face.
• Pain, which may intensify at night.
• Difficulty walking or inability to walk.
• Respiratory difficulties.
• Alterations in autonomic function such as changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
• Loss of reflexes in arms and legs.
• Fatigue

Symptoms can progress rapidly, requiring immediate medical attention. Although the exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown, it often occurs after a viral or bacterial infection, suggesting that it may be caused by an abnormal immune response. Most affected people can recover, although some may experience long-term effects. Treatment may include immunoglobulins or plasmapheresis to help reduce the severity and duration of the disease.