Amid Destroyed Health System, Gaza Sees Severe Outbreak of Autoimmune Disorder

"The residents of Gaza City are not only corralled by Israel's siege and bombing, but also by infections from overflowing sewage, the pathogens seeping from contaminated water puddles, the immunity-threatening diseases emerging from overcrowded displacement camps, and the toxic residues of unexploded ordnance. As a result of Israel's campaign of genocide, Gaza's fragile health care system is experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of Guillain-Barré syndrome, or GBS."

"GBS is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves - many of which are responsible for initiating muscle movement, while others transmit sensations of pain, touch, and temperature. This, in turn, leads to a progressive loss of sensation that typically begins in the legs and moves upward. In severe cases, GBS can deteriorate into complete paralysis, along with difficulty in breathing, swallowing, and seeing. Such complications can be life-threatening."

"Guillain-Barré syndrome's root cause is not yet fully understood, but there is strong evidence linking it to Campylobacter jejuni bacteria and certain enteroviruses. Once diagnosed, the condition requires urgent medical intervention and supportive care - often including intensive care unit monitoring, mechanical ventilation, plasmapheresis, and optimal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. These measures are crucial to halt further complications and prevent progression toward paralysis and respiratory distress."

Residents of Gaza City face siege, bombing, overflowing sewage, contaminated water puddles, overcrowded displacement camps, and toxic residues from unexploded ordnance. These conditions have precipitated an unprecedented outbreak of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) amid a fragile health system. GBS is an autoimmune peripheral neuropathy that causes progressive sensory loss beginning in the legs and can advance to complete paralysis and respiratory failure. Strong evidence links GBS to Campylobacter jejuni bacteria and certain enteroviruses. Effective management requires urgent ICU monitoring, mechanical ventilation when needed, plasmapheresis, and optimal intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. Medical standards and treatment protocols have been disrupted by the siege and bombardment.

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