Story County Sheriff Hospitalized with Rare Illness

Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald, 58, who was hospitalized with Guillain-Barre` syndrome last week, is expected to make a complete recovery, according to a release from the Story County Sheriff's Office.

Fitzgerald was elected as sheriff in 1992. He is currently at Mary Greeley Medical Center, according to the Ames Tribune.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare disorder in which one's immune system attacks the nerves. If left untreated it can spread causing complete paralysis.

No other details about Fitzgerald's condition were available.

Guillain-Barre only affects about 1 to 2 out of every 100,000 people, according to the Mayo Clinc.

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