Guillain-Barre syndrome epidemic contained in NE China city

CHANGCHUN, July 27 (Xinhua) -- An epidemic of Guillain-Barre syndrome, an inflammatory disorder that can cause paralysis and breathing difficulties, appears to have been contained as no new cases have been reported over the past 20 days, local health sources announced on Friday.

Eighteen of the total 36 infected people since late June have been discharged from hospital after recovering while the remaining18 are still receiving treatment, said Fan Qingjie, director of the disease prevention and control center in Changchun, capital of Jilin Province.

Two of the 18 are in a serious condition, Fan added.

The 36 people, mostly youths, contracted the disease in late June and early July in Shuangyang District, Changchun city.

Experts said the infections were related to residents drinking tap water without boiling it.

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.