Guillain-Barré syndrome news: Cases found in Colombia and Venezuela; relation to Zika virus still unknown

There has been recent cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Latin American countries, namely Columbia and Venezuela. Days before that, the World Health Organization also released updates about the same condition having an outbreak in Brazil and El Salvador.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare body disorder where an unknown virus attacks the nervous system. It is usually known for its distinct attack, giving the one affected ascending motor paralysis. It usually starts peripherally (arms and legs), then centrally, attacking the organs. Symptoms starts with weakness or numbness in the peripheral nervous system. Although not necessarily fatal, the usual cause of death is respiratory paralysis.

Although there are no official reports yet stating that paralysis could be one of Zika virus' symptoms, WHO reported that in Venezuela, there were 252 GBS cases with a "spatiotemporal" connection to Zika virus from Jan. 1 to 31. While 86 cases have been reported in Columbia, three times higher than the average cases of the last 6 years.

There hasn't been any scientific evidence that GBS is directly related to Zika virus, but according to WHO, "Zika virus infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction in three GBS cases, including a fatal case with no comorbidities. A total of three cases presenting with other neurological disorders were also biologically confirmed."

Fox News reports that senior WHO expert Marie-Paule Kieny said on Friday that, "scientists suspected on and might be able to confirm it within weeks."

WHO advices prevention and control such as reducing the breeding sites of the vector (Aedes mosquito), using insect repellants, long clothing and closing doors and windows of homes. The organization also advices people to refrain from travelling to countries with the current outbreak.

Zika virus outbreaks began in 2007. The more recent outbreak was in 2015 in Brazil and Columbia, now spreading to 34 countries.