Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
low

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and other neurological disorders are strongly associated with, and suspected to be caused by, Zika virus infection but the link is unestablished and studies are ongoing, including to elucidate a possible mechanism.[10][11][12][13] Evidence to support a causal relationship has expanded in recent years; however, the body of evidence is still smaller than that for congenital abnormalities.[9]

Neurological complications are rare and have been reported in 0.3% of cases, with the most common complication being GBS.[46] Evidence suggests the incidence of GBS to be 24 cases per 100,000 persons infected with Zika.[45] Recovery is variable; some patients return to health while others have chronic disability.[46]

Cases of acute myelitis, meningoencephalitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis have been reported in patients with Zika virus infection.[216][217][218][219]

A case of rapidly developing acute demyelinating polyneuropathy while the Zika virus was still present in the serum of the patient has been reported.[120]

Acute sensory polyneuropathy has been reported in one patient during the active infectious phase.[220]

Guillain-Barre syndrome

short term
low

Miscarriage has been reported in some women with Zika virus infection.[221]

Miscarriage

short term
low

May be a potential manifestation of Zika virus infection according to case reports.[222][223] Aqueous humour from the patient’s eye was positive for Zika virus RNA in reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Two cases of Zika-related bilateral hypertensive anterior acute uveitis have been reported.[224]

Uveitis

variable
low

A case of transient myocarditis has been associated with Zika virus infection.[225] Other possible cardiac complications related to Zika virus infection include arrhythmias, heart failure, and pericardial effusion.[226]

One study suggests that congenital Zika virus infection may be associated with an increased risk of congenital heart disease, although further research is required.[227]

Myocarditis

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