[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 60 (Thursday, April 29, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S4469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MAY 1--GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY

 Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, communities across America will 
observe Guillain-Barre Syndrome Awareness Day this Saturday, May 1. 
Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or GBS, is a paralyzing disorder that can 
strike any person, regardless of age, gender, or background. Victims 
often face months of hospital care and long-term disabilities can 
result.
  For many years the GBS Foundation International has been renowned for 
its worldwide leadership in the battle against GBS, and I welcome this 
opportunity to commend the Foundation for all it has done. The 
Foundation, established in 1980, provides an effective support network 
for patients and their families. It also provides educational 
materials, funds medical research, and conducts symposia.
  GBS Awareness Day is an important part of educating the public about 
this potentially catastrophic disease. In Massachusetts, for example, 
the chapter of the Foundation in Boston is coordinating an event for 
the entire New England area that will include a fund-raising walk 
around the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Woburn, followed by a 
video presentation and seminars on the medical and psychological 
aspects of the disease.
  One of the most disturbing developments in the battle against GBS is 
the recent scientific research linking this disease to infection by a 
common food-borne pathogen known as Campylobacter, which is the most 
common bacterial cause of food-borne illness in the United States. 
These bacteria frequently contaminate raw chicken. Unfortunately, 
Campylobacter is also one of a growing number of bacteria that are 
developing resistance to the antibiotic drugs commonly used to treat 
the diseases they cause, and these drug-resistant bacteria are now a 
major public health threat.
  The health and safety of the American people is one of our top 
priorities in Congress. Microbial contamination of food is an 
increasing problem. The association of GBS with Campylobacter infection 
demonstrates that food-borne illness is a serious national challenge. 
We need to take more effective action against these threats to families 
and communities. An important priority of this Congress is to act on 
legislation that will enhance the nation's ability to deal with 
contaminated food and antimicrobial-resistant organisms.
  We in Congress also need to do more to support research into all 
aspects of the prevention, treatment, and cure of GBS. I welcome GBS 
Awareness Day this year as an opportunity for all of us in Congress and 
across the country to become more actively involved in meeting this 
important public health challenge.

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