The department of Suchitepéquez has been declared as epicenter with 56 patients, followed by Retalhuleu (8), Quetzaltenango (2), Sololá (2), Huehuetenango (2) and Guatemala (2), MSPAS added.

Samples taken from patients have already given some results, as explained by MSPAS´ Epidemiology Director Édgar Santos.

Santos enlightened that 33 stool samples sent to an Atlanta center in the United States, with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), came back negative for Poliomyelitis.

He ruled out contagion of the disease is due to arbovirosis (dengue, chikcungunya, zika), based on other analyses carried out at the National Health Laboratory.

He assured that they are continuing to study samples taken from water sources, food, soil, patients and backyard birds in the localities where cases occurred.

The MSPAS authorities established that analysis evidenced the existence of coliform bacteria, shigella and others that are normally present in fecal matter.

This contamination could be causing the gastrointestinal diseases that, preliminarily, we know occur before the symptoms of the neurological disease appear, Santos said.

Regarding infections, they can be acquired not only through water, but also through badly handled food or environmental causes, issues that are still under investigation.

The Vice-Minister of Health Regulation, Surveillance and Control, César Conde, reiterated that “no food should be stigmatized”.

All those consumed should be well cooked, he remarked, and added that it is important to avoid mixing raw and cooked foods.

The lines of study pointed to incorrect handling of food, contaminated water, lack of sanitation and contact with the “intestinal tract” of birds, as possible causes.

Among symptoms of the disease, MSPAS stated, apart from diarrhea and fever, respiratory problems and reduction of the stretching reflexes.

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