Klinische Infektionskrankheiten: Open Access

Long-term Sequelae of Zika Virus Infection: Neurological and Developmental Outcomes

Abstract

Glazunova Stein

Since its emergence as a global health concern, the Zika virus has captured international attention due to its association with devastating neurological complications, particularly in infants born to infected mothers. While the acute phase of Zika infection often presents with mild symptoms or none at all in adults, its long-term effects, especially on neurological and developmental outcomes, have raised significant concerns. Zika virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, gained prominence during the 2015-2016 outbreak in the Americas. What made Zika particularly alarming was its link to Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), characterized by microcephaly, brain calcifications and other neurological abnormalities in newborns. Additionally, Zika has been associated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in adults, an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.