Zika Virus May Be Linked To Brain Disease Among Adults

According to a report published in News Week on April 10, 2016 it has been learned that there is a connection between Zika Virus and a brain disease that has symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis.

Researchers in Brazil have discovered this new finding, and it is expected to fetch positive benefits in our journey to combat this deadly disease.

The study clearly indicates that Zika virus will trigger an autoimmune disorder acute disseminated encephalomyelitis which has many symptoms very much similar to multiple sclerosis.

Researchers examined six Zika infected patients from Brazil, and found out that they experienced neurological symptoms within two weeks after they were diagnosed with Zika.

Two out of these six patients were diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, which is characterized by severe inflammation of brain and spinal cord.

Soon, these patients started developing issues with Central Nervous System. One among them had problems with mobility while another one developed vision issues.

It should be noted that Zika has already been found linked with Guillain-Barre syndrome, another autoimmune disorder. GBS usually attacks the peripheral nerves located outside brain and spinal cord, and in the worst cases, it will result in temporary paralysis. In many cases, patients used to rely on respirators for proper breathing.

Apart from these diseases, Zika is also known for triggering encephalitis and myelitis. Brazil is the worst affected country by Zika, and the Government has already confirmed 940 cases related to infections among mothers.

Dr. Maria Lucia Brito, member of the research team told that these findings clearly indicates the connection of Zika and neurological disorders. She presented the study findings at The American Academy of Neurology meeting in Vancouver on last Sunday.

Zika usually gets transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. World Health Organization is trying their best to combat the outbreak of this deadly disease. Ongoing investigations are expected to unveil more details between Zika and CNS