Can Zika Virus Have A Neurological Impact? All You Need To Know

The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne pathogen, has gained attention due to its significant health impacts. Transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, it shares its genus with dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile viruses. Common symptoms include muscle and joint pain, fever, rash, conjunctivitis, and headache. Beyond these, the neurological implications are particularly alarming.

Neurological complications

While the Zika virus typically causes mild symptoms, its neurological effects can be severe and long-lasting, particularly for pregnant women, infants, and those with preexisting neurological conditions. Identified in Uganda in 1947 in a rhesus macaque monkey, Zika's impact on humans became evident in the 1950s across various African countries.

Microcephaly and congenital zika syndrome

One of the most concerning effects is the virus's link to microcephaly, a condition where infants are born with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains. The virus can cross the placental barrier, infecting fetal brain cells and disrupting development. This leads to Congenital Zika Syndrome, which includes microcephaly, brain calcifications, and other neurological deficits.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

In adults, Zika has been associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare but serious condition where the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. GBS can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. While the exact mechanism linking Zika to GBS is still under study, it is believed that the virus triggers an immune response leading to the condition.

Other neurological implications

Zika can also cause encephalitis, meningitis, and myelitis, although these are less common. Encephalitis and meningitis involve inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes, respectively, resulting in severe headaches, fever, confusion, and seizures. Myelitis, the inflammation of the spinal cord, can lead to paralysis and sensory deficits.