While the worries that the Zika virus will cause severe birth defects if it infects pregnant woman have grabbed most of the headlines, this week researchers reported more evidence that an encounter with the virus can also leave some people temporarily paralyzed: On Monday, The Lancet published the first systematic study of a possible link between the virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The data add support to the theory that the recent increase in cases of sudden paralysis across Latin America is due to the spreading Zika outbreak. Science answers some key questions about the syndrome.
Ive never heard of Guillain-Barré syndrome. What is it?
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an unusual reaction to several kinds of infection, which leaves people immobile to varying degrees. A few days or weeks after a person has recovered from their initial symptoms, they experience sudden numbness and weakness in their limbs, which can progress to the point where they are partially or completely paralyzed. People usually recover sensation and movement over a period of weeks or months, but many suffer lasting effects, including limb weakness and lingering tingling sensations.
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