What is Guillain-Barré syndrome, why is it a growing threat in Gaza?

The Gaza Health Ministry has issued an urgent warning about a sharp rise in Guillain-Barré syndrome cases, particularly among children, linked to worsening malnutrition and infections caused by the ongoing "Israeli" blockade restricting access to life-saving medicine and care.

In a statement on Monday, the ministry linked this surge to unusual infections and severe malnutrition affecting the population. The warning follows the deaths of three individuals from this rare neurological disorder, including two children under 15, who could not be saved due to the lack of critical medical treatments.

Tests revealed the presence of enteroviruses, different from polio, creating an environment conducive to the unchecked spread of infectious diseases. The ministry emphasized that these tragic deaths are a direct result of the ongoing "Israeli" blockade, which has severely limited access to life-saving care.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks peripheral nerves. Symptoms usually start with numbness and weakness in the legs and feet and progress upward. In severe cases, it can cause total paralysis and life-threatening complications like respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation. Other possible effects include heart and blood pressure irregularities, nerve pain, and problems with bladder and bowel control.

According to the American Mayo Clinic, Guillain-Barré is a medical emergency that demands immediate hospitalization. Early intervention significantly improves the chances of full recovery.

The Gaza Health Ministry warned that without urgent international support, including the delivery of essential medicines and lifting of the blockade, the syndrome and other infectious diseases could spread widely, resulting in a catastrophic public health crisis.

“These are not just deaths,” the ministry stressed, “they are a warning sign of a looming infectious catastrophe.”