Zika virus has been shown to trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) at a rate similar to Campylobacter jejuni infections.
In patients with Zika virus-associated GBS, neurologic deterioration has been rapid, with approximately 33% of patients developing respiratory distress.
For patients who have required intubation, the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay has been very long.
Consider Zika virus-associated GBS in patients with muscle weakness, facial palsy, or paresthesias in the setting of a travel or exposure history to the virus.
References
Thiery G, et al. Zika virus-associated Guillain-Barre syndrome: a warning for critical care physicians. Intensive Care Med 2016; epub ahead of print.
