Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Rare Paralytic Disease Surge in Gaza Amid Israeli Blockade
- TPP
- Aug 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 28
85 suspected GBS cases and 8 deaths reported since June as hospitals struggle amid famine, infections, and medicine shortages.
The Gaza Strip is facing a surge in rare paralytic diseases amid an Israeli blockade that has crippled access to medicine, clean water, and food. Among the most alarming conditions emerging is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disorder that can lead to full-body paralysis and, in some cases, death.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), since June 2025, 85 suspected cases of GBS have been reported in Gaza, with eight deaths already confirmed. Doctors and health agencies warn that the situation is deteriorating rapidly due to collapsing healthcare infrastructure, malnutrition, and the spread of infectious diseases.
What Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (pronounced “ghee-AHN buh-RAY”) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath — the protective covering of the peripheral nerves.
Peripheral nerves connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, controlling muscle movement, pain sensation, and touch.
When the myelin sheath is damaged, nerve signals slow down or become blocked, resulting in muscle weakness, numbness, and potential paralysis.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, GBS affects about 100,000 people globally each year — roughly 1 in every 78,000 individuals. While rare, its severity and rapid progression make it a major public health concern.
Why Is GBS Surging in Gaza?
Health experts link the sharp increase in GBS cases to the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing blockade and infrastructure destruction:
Infectious disease spread: GBS is often triggered by viral or bacterial infections. In Gaza, most recent cases are linked to Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium commonly found in animal feces and contaminated water.
Positive lab tests : According to Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, head of pediatrics at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, most patient samples tested positive for Campylobacter jejuni and enteroviruses — viruses often spread through polluted water.
Water and sanitation crisis : Oxfam reports that 70% of Gaza’s sewage pumps and wastewater treatment plants have been destroyed by bombardment, leading to widespread water contamination.
Restrictions on humanitarian aid : Israel has blocked or limited the entry of critical supplies, including Oxfam’s water testing equipment, further worsening sanitation.
These combined factors create a “fertile environment for the uncontrolled spread of infectious diseases,” according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Causes and Triggers of GBS
While the exact cause of GBS is unknown, several well-documented triggers are linked to its onset:
Post-infectious onset: In up to 70% of GBS cases, symptoms develop within one to six weeks of an infection.
Bacterial infection:
Campylobacter jejuni — the most common trigger globally, also prevalent in Gaza samples.
Viral infections:
Influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, and cytomegalovirus are known triggers.
Surgical procedures: Rarely, GBS may develop post-surgery.
Vaccines: In extremely rare cases, GBS has been reported after certain vaccinations, but experts emphasize that infection risk outweighs vaccine risk.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
GBS symptoms can range from mild tingling to full-body paralysis. They typically start suddenly and worsen rapidly:
Early Symptoms
Tingling or numbness in the feet and legs
Muscle weakness beginning in the lower limbs
Sensations of burning, pricking, or chilling skin (paraesthesia)
Progressive Symptoms
Muscle pain in the back or legs
Weakness spreading to arms, facial muscles, and even the chest
Difficulty breathing due to chest muscle weakness
Trouble speaking, swallowing, or moving the eyes
In extreme cases, total body paralysis
According to the WHO, most patients reach peak weakness within two to three weeks after symptom onset.
Around 1 in 3 GBS patients experience severe breathing difficulties and may require mechanical ventilation.
Complications Associated With GBS
GBS can be life-threatening if left untreated, primarily due to its impact on the autonomic nervous system — which controls automatic body functions like heart rate and breathing.
Potential complications include:
Respiratory failure → paralysis of respiratory muscles
Blood infections (sepsis)
Pulmonary embolism (blood clots in lungs)
Cardiac arrhythmias and unstable blood pressure
Digestive paralysis (gastrointestinal stasis)
Urinary retention or bladder dysfunction
Diagnosis of GBS
Diagnosing GBS involves a combination of clinical evaluation and specialized tests:
Symptom assessment → Tingling, weakness, and reflex loss are primary clues.
Lumbar puncture → Fluid collected from the spinal canal is tested for elevated protein levels, a hallmark of GBS.
Electromyography (EMG) → Uses thin-needle electrodes to measure muscle activity and nerve conduction speeds.
Imaging (MRI) → Helps rule out other neurological disorders.
Treatment Options for GBS
Although there is no cure for GBS, early medical intervention can significantly improve recovery:
1. Hospitalization and Monitoring
Because of its life-threatening complications, patients are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) for continuous monitoring.
2. Immunotherapy
Since GBS is autoimmune, treatments aim to suppress abnormal immune responses:
Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) → Removes harmful antibodies from the blood.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) → Supplies donor antibodies to block immune attacks.
3. Supportive Care
Ventilators for respiratory failure
Rehabilitation exercises to restore muscle function
Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots
Pain management and nutritional support
GBS and Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP): A Dual Threat in Gaza
GBS is not the only paralytic condition surging in Gaza. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports a spike in acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, particularly among children.
AFP causes sudden muscle weakness or paralysis, often linked to enteroviruses circulating in contaminated environments.
Gaza’s destroyed sewage systems and scarce clean water have created an environment ripe for AFP outbreaks.
Health authorities also confirmed poliovirus re-emergence in Gaza after 25 years of eradication — posing another significant threat to children, especially those under five.
Healthcare Collapse in Gaza
The GBS crisis is compounded by a near-total collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system:
Medicine shortages → Due to Israeli restrictions on essential supplies.
Man-made famine → Gaza faces an IPC Level 5 humanitarian catastrophe, defined as “starvation, death, and extreme malnutrition.”
Hospitals overwhelmed → According to the United Nations:
Al-Shifa Hospital operating at 250% capacity
Nasser Medical Complex at 180%
Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital at 210%
Al-Ahli Arab Hospital exceeding 300% capacity
Infrastructure collapse → Less than half of Gaza’s hospitals and only 38% of primary healthcare centers are partially operational.
Global Health Implications
The situation in Gaza poses wider global health concerns:
Uncontrolled spread of infectious diseases → Limited testing, damaged sanitation, and blocked aid increase the risk of regional transmission.
Re-emergence of eradicated diseases → Polio’s comeback underscores the fragility of public health victories.
Mental and physical toll → With famine, war, and disease converging, Gaza faces a multifaceted health emergency.
Key Facts at a Glance
Aspect | Details |
Reported GBS Cases | 85 suspected cases since June 2025 |
Deaths | 8 confirmed so far |
Primary Cause | Campylobacter jejuni & enterovirus infections |
Triggers | Post-infectious response, water contamination, malnutrition |
Paralysis-Linked Diseases | Guillain-Barré, Acute Flaccid Paralysis, Polio |
Healthcare Functionality | Less than 50% of hospitals partially operational |
Humanitarian Impact | IPC Level 5 famine, severe medicine shortages |
The surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome and other paralytic diseases in Gaza reflects the devastating intersection of war, blockade, famine, and disease outbreaks. With infectious triggers rising, healthcare systems collapsing, and aid restrictions tightening, experts warn of an impending public health catastrophe.
Immediate international intervention is essential to restore medical supplies, repair sanitation systems, and contain disease spread — before the situation worsens beyond control.
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