Mexico, California and Arizona Gullain-Barre Syndrome

Getting hands full of medical problems in the area this year.
Investigation of Gullain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Yuma County, Arizona Posted on July 14, 2011
Yuma County, Arizona, and San Luis, Sonora, have recently seen an increase in Campylobacter infection/acute diarrheal illness and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a complication of campylobacteriosis, within their respective communities. This is significant because GBS is a devastating illness that can cause paralysis. In some cases the paralysis is permanent.
The Yuma County Health District, along with the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Sonora health officials are working together to conduct an investigation into the source(s) of these health conditions.
“An investigation of this nature takes a lot of time and a lot of people. It’s like putting a puzzle together. You need all the pieces before you see the picture,” said Becky Brooks, Director of Yuma County Health District. “The response from all agencies has been great, and the expertise from each has certainly contributed to the investigation.”
Health officials from Arizona and Sonora have also conducted outreach and education and have asked physicians and hospitals to watch for the signs of GBS or Campylobacter infection and quickly contact their local health department with any possible cases.
Yuma County recommends the following:
Seek medical care if you develop gastrointestinal symptoms
Don’t prepare food for others if you have diarrhea or vomiting.
Be especially careful preparing food for children, pregnant women, those in poor health and older adults.
Washing your hands is the single most important thing you can do to prevent illness.