Zika virus detection causes brain disorders in adults

Brazilian scientists have discovered Zika virus that can cause acute encephalitis spreading ADEM, attacking the brain and spinal cord in adults.

Thus, Zika can attack the central nervous system. Previously, Zika virus has been shown to be associated with Guillain-Barre disorder affecting peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, thereby causing temporary paralysis.

Midges spread Zika virus in the laboratory.(Photo: Reuters).

According to Reuters, Dr. Maria Lucia Brito found out among 151 Zika-positive patients from December 2014 to June 2015 to treat at the Rehabilitation Hospital (Recife, Brazil) 4 people were Guillain-Barre and 2 people have ADEM. ADEM (Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis) or diffuse acute myelitis occurs due to infected neurons, causing severe swelling in the brain and spinal cord, causing myelin to be destroyed. Patients will become weak, paralyzed, lose balance, reduce vision.

"Our research is quite small but still provides evidence that Zika virus affects the brain more than we thought," Dr Brito said at a meeting of the American Neurological Academy on April 10.

Dr. James Sejvar from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that ADEM cases due to Zika cannot be as much as Guillain-Barre but recommends that doctors be cautious when diagnosing and caring for people with the virus."Of course, the most important question is why Zika causes inflammation of the nervous system , " he said. Sejvar hopes that in the near future research works will shed light on this issue.