Six Die From Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Jamaica
On Friday (September 2), Jamaica’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Winston De La Haye disclosed that the number of Guillian-Barré syndrome (GBS) related deaths in Jamaica has climbed to six.
He made the announcement while speaking on RJR’s Hotline radio programme.
Dr. De La Haye revealed that from the six persons who died, two tested negative for the Zika virus, while samples from the others have not yet been received.
He also said the ministry is currently awaiting pathology reports.
Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) – which has been linked to the Zika virus is a rapid-onset muscle weakness caused by the immune system damaging the peripheral nervous system.
The initial symptoms are typically changes in sensation or pain along with muscle weakness, beginning in the feet and hands. This often spreads to the arms and upper body with both sides being involved.
The symptoms develop over hours to a few weeks. During the acute phase, the disorder can be life-threatening with about 15% developing weakness of the breathing muscles requiring mechanical ventilation.
Some are affected by changes in the function of the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to dangerous abnormalities in heart rate and blood pressure. One out of 20 people die from GBS according to the CDC says.
Earlier this year, former Chief Advisor to Prime Minister PJ Patterson – Mr Delano Franklyn revealed that he was afflicted by GBS. His diagnosis came after doctors performed a a lumbar tap in which they pulled fluid from the spine, using a needle; and a nerve conduction investigation by a neurologist. They prescribed a drug called immunoglobulin, or IVIG, which is administered intravenously.
Franklyn also revealed that, at the time each bottle of IVIG cost $85,000 and that he had already gone through 40 bottles.
Doctors were reportedly able to determine definitively that his Guillain-Barré was a consequence of him having the mosquito-borne Zika virus.
Find out more about GBS below:
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