According to the Directorate of Epidemiology and Risk Management at the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) detailed the situation in six of the 22 departments of the country at the end of the previous day.
MSPAS specified that 52 cases were reported in Suchitepéquez (77.6%, epicenter of the disease), eight in Retalhuleu (11.9%), two in Huehuetenango (3%) and another patient (2%) in the country´s capital.
Guatemala´s Education Ministry indicated on Thursday that given the increased case toll (suspected of causing Guillain Barré syndrome), it called off classes in cooperative and municipal schools in Mazatenango and Cuyotenango, municipalities.
The Ministry also announced on February 2 that the measure only applied to (private) schools, but extended it to other educational centers for protecting children, adolescents and young people.
In this regard, in addition to guaranteeing access to supplies and medicines, the Congress approved a resolution on Thursday.
The Ministry urged MSPAS, the Guatemalan Institute of Social Security (IGSS) and other health authorities to strengthen and expand health protocols, guidelines, manuals and plans to guarantee prevention, attention and immediate management of the neurological disease.
It requested the health authorities to carry out education and prevention campaigns, especially in the departments most affected by neurological disease.
It urged the health authorities to guarantee accessible prices of medicines, transparency and accountability in the acquisition processes.
The Congress requested MSPAS, as well as the IGSS, to submit to the Health and Social Security Commissions, within a maximum period of 15 days, a detailed report with details of the actions and measures implemented.
MSPAS reiterated that the transmission of this disease is not directly from person to person, based on the scientific research collected so far.
The lines of investigation point to contaminated water, lack of sanitation and contact with the “intestinal tract” of birds as possible causes.
Among symptoms, the specialized organism pointed out, apart from diarrhea and fever, respiratory problems and diminished stretching reflexes.
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