Zika virus associated deaths in Colombia

Abstract

Zika virus infection has emerged in Latin America as an important threat due to its association with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can lead to deaths, and microcephaly in newborn babies.1, 2, 3 Cases of fatal Zika virus infection are rare and misunderstood. The spectrum of clinical disease remains uncertain and considering the rapidly evolving epidemics of this new arbovirus in Latin America, it deserves further detailed assessment.1, 2, 3, 4 Here, we describe four well documented fatal cases of Zika virus infection in Tolima, Colombia.