When signs of infection do appear, they are often non-specific and easily mistaken for the cold or flu.
The symptoms of GBS can persist for weeks and even months.
Although most people will fully recover, some may have permanent nerve damage.
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A small percentage of people die from GBS.
In others, the defect can be severe and lead to lifelong disability and a shortened lifespan.
Babies born with microcephaly would be closely monitored even if there are no outward signs of disability.
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Those with symptoms should be tested immediately.
While the Zika virus should definitely warrant concern, it shouldn’t cause panic.
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Once bitten, theincubation periodof the virus is three to 14 days.
A Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, including microencephaly.
Rubin M.Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).
Merck Manual Professional Edition.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Zika Travel Information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical testing and diagnosis for zika virus disease.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Zika symptoms and complications.
2018 Sep;10(9):e3290.
doi:10.7759/cureus.3290
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Congenital zika syndrome and other birth defects.
Chang C, Ortiz K, Ansari A, Gershwin ME.The Zika outbreak of the 21st century.J Autoimmun.
2020;12(11):1228. doi:10.3390/v12111228
