An investigation into the incidence of the debilitating illness Guillain-Barre syndrome in Wairarapa has been launched.
In a brief statement issued yesterday, the Hutt Valley Regional Public Health Unit confirmed it is in the process of collecting and analysing information regarding diagnosed cases of the rare and paralysing illness that has
been particularly prevalent in Wairarapa this year.
The unit has been monitoring news articles published in the Wairarapa Times-Age and is inviting those with "questions or concerns" they would like to have covered in their report to contact the unit.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome usually affects three people in every 100,000 in a year but the incidence in Wairarapa this year has far outstripped this with four diagnosed cases in a population of less than 50,000.
The illness comes on swiftly and can quickly progress from weakness or tingling in the legs to full-on paralysis of the arm and face muscles.
Most sufferers make a full or near-full recovery but some are left with permanent disability.
All those diagnosed need to be hospitalised, often for months and to have ongoing therapy to rehabilitate them into society.
