Thirty cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, an inflammatory
disorder that may cause paralysis and breathing difficulties, have
been reported since late June in a northeastern China city, local
health sources said.
Most of the hospitalized patients, all from Shuangyang District
in Changchun, capital of Jilin Province, are in stable condition,
according to the city's disease control and prevention center.
No deaths have been reported from the disease, it added.
The syndrome, in which the immune system attacks nerves, has
initial symptoms of fever, aching throat, diarrhea and then
weakness of legs and arms. In serious cases, one's whole body can
become paralyzed, even the muscles used for breathing.
The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but medical experts
believe it may be triggered by respiratory infection or the stomach
flu. The potentially deadly disorder occurs most often in young
adults and the elderly.
The health authorities of Changchun have strengthened inspection
on food and drinking water safety and advised citizens not to eat
untidy food or drink unboiled water as prevention methods.
(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2007)