Zika virus-associated Guillain-Barre syndrome variant in Haiti

Abstract

Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus (genus Flavivirus) transmitted by the Aedes mosquito and through sexual contact with infected individuals.1,2 Zika virus infection may be asymptomatic or may cause fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, myalgias, and headache.1 Initially endemic to Africa and Asia, outbreaks in the Pacific Islands occurred in 2007 and 2013, and Central America, South America, and the Caribbean islands are currently in the midst of an epidemic. In both prior and current outbreaks of Zika,1 an increased incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been reported.