Guillain–Barré Syndrome after Zika Virus Infection in Brazil

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus, which has caused a widespread outbreak in the Americas. Shortly after its introduction in 2015, a cluster of cases with Guillain–Barré syndrome was detected in Brazil. Herein, we describe two cases from the city of Salvador, who developed ascending paresis after an acute exanthematous illness. The patients were admitted to the intensive care unit with tetraparesis and cranial nerve palsy, which resolved after intravenous administration of human immunoglobulin. Serological evaluation detected IgM-specific ZIKV antibodies. In regions of Zika virus transmission, health-care workers must be aware of the potential severe neurological complications associated with ZIKV infection and be prepared to provide prompt diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.