Yes, the Zika virus can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome. When it does, the disease usually begins to manifest its symptoms. 2 to 4 weeks after infection by Zikaregardless of the age of the patient.
The association between Zika and Guillain-Barré Syndrome was reinforced by a publication in the English magazine The Lancet on February 29, 2016.
The scientists analyzed an outbreak of Zika that occurred between 2013 and 2014 in French Polynesia and found that in the same period there was an increase in the number of Guillain-Barré cases.
The study identified 42 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome and in all of them there were traces of the recent presence of the virus Zika.
It is therefore very likely that if there is a Zika epidemic, there will also be an increase in the Guillain-Barré cases, which would be a serious public health problem.
See here how the transmission of Zika occurs.
Despite Zika's relationship with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, this virus is not among the main causes of the disease. Infection by bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, present in the rare meat of birds, is the most frequent cause of Guillain-Barré.
Other viruses that can also cause the Syndrome are cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis A, B and C virus, influenza and HIV. The development of Guillain-Barré syndrome is also related to surgery, vaccines and pregnancy.
Learn more at:
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome and what are the symptoms?
Guillain-Barré syndrome has a cure? What is the treatment?
