Guillain-Barré Syndrome Following Suspected Zika Virus Infection: A Rare but Important Neurological Manifestation

Abstract

Zika virus infection is typically a mild, self-limited febrile rash illness, but growing evidence suggested potential neurological complications during outbreaks. We report a case of acute flaccid paralysis consistent with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) occurring shortly after a clinically compatible illness suggestive of Zika virus infection in a returning traveler. The patient developed rapidly progressive, symmetrical limb weakness with areflexia, albuminocytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid, and electrophysiological findings supportive of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. He improved after intravenous immunoglobulin and supportive care. This case highlights the importance of recognizing post-infectious neuropathy following suspected Zika virus disease, especially in settings where laboratory confirmation may be limited and serology may be complicated by flavivirus cross-reactivity.