Across Gaza, healthcare workers are reporting a noticeable and escalating increase in the number of reported cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). GBS is a rare, acute autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system. Ten associated deaths have been reported in Gaza so far.
It typically presents with rapidly progressive muscle weakness that can progress to paralysis, and in severe cases may impair breathing and autonomic function, requiring intensive medical support.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)’s team in Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis, have reported that cases that would normally take weeks or months to become acute are now progressing in just a few days. Stocks of the required medication, intravenous immunoglobulin, are at zero, which makes it extremely challenging to manage.
Dr Ahmad al-Farra, Head of Paediatrics of Nasser Hospital said to MAP staff on 21 August:
“Before the war we used to see one case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome yearly, but in the last three months we have nearly diagnosed already 100 cases. We are seeing an outbreak of acute flaccid paralysis as a result... Patients are fatigued, unable to stand or sit. Then as the paralysis increases it affects patients' respiratory muscles and can lead to respiratory failure. This can, in some cases, result in cardiac arrest.
“This happened to a patient here today, they were around three years old and admitted to our paediatric ICU. But we couldn’t get medication, intravenous immunoglobulin, for them. We also face difficulties in diagnosis as we don’t have MRIs and electromyography tests. Cerebral spinal fluid is also unavailable in Gaza and most patients can’t get medically evacuated.”
“I expect to see an increase in cases and in cases of severe acute malnutrition if the situation here continues.”
About Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- GBS is not contagious. It is almost always a consequence of a preceding infection – a viral illness or a bacterial infection, or for example diarrhoea.
- Disease progression can be rapid, and most patients with GBS reach their maximum disability within two weeks.
- About 20% of patients with GBS develop respiratory failure and require mechanical ventilation.
- The mortality rate is estimated at 3–10% for patients with GBS even with the best medical care available.
- It can be considered a consequence of the current humanitarian and public health crisis in Gaza, as a result of Israel’s genocide and systematic destruction of the healthcare system. People are living overcrowded conditions, with a lack of access to clean water, and weakened immunity due to malnutrition.
Prevalence in Gaza
- The number of suspected GBS cases has increased to 94, with about 25 per cent requiring ICU treatment and 10 associated deaths reported. (UN OCHA)
- Between 1 June - 15 August 2025, a total of 85 GBS cases were reported across Gaza. (WHO)
- 18 (21%) of these cases were reported in June, 47 (55%) reported in July, and 20 (24%) cases reported in August.
- More than half of these cases were reported in Nasser Medical Complex (NMC) 47 (55%) followed by Al-Shifa hospital 18 (21%).
- The majority of cases 65 (76%) were reported at just two facilities (NMC and Al-Shifaa Medical Complex).
- WHO says the surge in cases is partly because of improved acute flaccid surveillance, implemented by the Ministry of Health, but that the deteriorating sanitation and medical conditions are also a key driver of increased cases.
To prevent the continued surge in cases and protect healthcare, MAP urgently calls on world leaders, including those in the UK, to enforce an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and pressure Israel to lift its total blockade of Gaza. We demand that the UK and other states uphold their legal duty to prevent and stop genocide, including by suspending arms transfers to Israel and supporting international accountability.
ENDS
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About Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works for a future where every Palestinian has access to a comprehensive, effective and locally-led system of healthcare, and the full realisation of their rights to health and dignity.
MAP’s local team in Gaza continues to deliver our largest humanitarian response in our history in order to meet critical health and humanitarian needs caused by over 20 months of Israel’s military attacks and siege of Gaza. Last year, MAP provided vital healthcare and humanitarian aid to almost one million Palestinians across Gaza, working with 16 local partners.
For more information please visit: www.map.org.uk