Peru's health ministry has assured Corinthians that they are not at risk of contracting Guillain-Barre syndrome during their upcoming visit to the country. This statement comes after the coach of the Brazilian soccer team expressed concerns about playing in Lima, where a sanitary emergency has been declared due to a significant increase in cases of the disease. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare and serious condition that affects the nerves, causing symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and pain.
After the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana tie in Brazil, Corinthians coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo voiced his desire for the return match to be moved out of Peru due to the sanitary emergency. He urged soccer authorities to make a decision to protect the players, questioning who would be responsible if something serious were to happen.
In response to Luxemburgo's concerns, Peru's health ministry issued a statement clarifying that Guillain-Barre syndrome is not transmitted from person to person and that the players are not at risk of contagion while in the country. The ministry emphasized that there are no restrictions in Peru regarding the disease, whether it be for meetings, national or international travel, or events.
Corinthians, however, have not yet responded to these assurances from Peru's health ministry. It remains to be seen if the team will proceed with the scheduled second leg match against Universitario in Peru despite the coach's initial concerns.