Thirty cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, an inflammatory disorder that may cause paralysis and breathing difficulties, have been reported since late June in a northeastern China city, local health sources said.

Most of the hospitalized patients, all from Shuangyang District in Changchun, capital of Jilin Province, are in stable condition, according to the city's disease control and prevention center.

No deaths have been reported from the disease, it added.

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.

The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but medical experts believe it may be triggered by respiratory infection or the stomach flu. The potentially deadly disorder occurs most often in young adults and the elderly.

The health authorities of Changchun have strengthened inspection on food and drinking water safety and advised citizens not to eat untidy food or drink unboiled water as prevention methods.

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2007)