Zika virus can cause acute myelitis

French scientists have discovered a link between the Zika virus and myelitis due to the presence of the virus in the cerebrospinal fluid.

The Zika virus, which causes microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome, can also affect the spinal cord and cause acute myelitis, which can lead to motor disabilities, two French research institutes, Inserm and CNRS, announced yesterday (March 8).

Medical experts believe that the Zika virus is linked to microcephaly in newborns. (Photo: Reuters)

In mid-January 2016, Pointe-à-Pitre hospital admitted a 15-year-old female patient who was paralyzed on her left side while she was in the acute phase of Zika virus infection.

According to the researchers, this patient had difficulty moving, along with severe pain and acute urinary retention. The researchers then detected high levels of the virus in serum, urine and cerebrospinal fluid on the second day of hospitalization.

This is the first published case showing a link between Zika virus and myelitis due to the presence of the virus in the cerebrospinal fluid nine days after the onset of clinical signs.

The study also ruled out other viral infections or diseases such as chickenpox, shingles, or inflammatory conditions that could cause acute myelitis. The patient is still hospitalized for observation, but his life is not in danger. According to the researchers, this case further strengthens the hypothesis of neurological effects of the Zika virus.

According to VOV