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GuillainBarr syndrome[edit]
A high incidence of the autoimmune disease GuillainBarr syndrome (GBS),
noted in the French Polynesia outbreak, has also been found in the outbreak
that began in Brazil.[98] Laboratory analysis found Zika infections in some
patients with GBS in Brazil, El Salvador, Suriname and Venezuela,[111] and
the WHO declared on 22 March 2016 that Zika appeared to be "implicated" in
GBS infection, and that if the pattern was confirmed it would represent a
global public health crisis.[112]
similar areas.[115] The methods currently available to test for Zika antibodies
cross-react with dengue antibodies. An IgM-positive result in a dengue or Zika
ELISA test can only be considered indicative of a recent flavivirus infection.
Plaque-reduction neutralization tests can be performed and may be specific.
[116] The Zika virus can be identified by RT-PCR in acutely ill patients.[6]
Americas[edit]
Several countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Jamaica,
advised women to postpone getting pregnant until more was known about
the risks.[15][117] Plans were announced by the authorities in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, to try to prevent the spread of the Zika virus during the 2016 Summer
Olympics in Rio.[118] The health ministry of Peru installed more than 20,000
ovitraps during the 2015 dengue outbreak. The same ovitraps will be used to
monitor a potential Zika outbreak in tropical regions of Peru.[119]
symptoms of microcephaly
Symptoms of microcephaly, linked to mothers infected by Zika virus.[113]
Because of the "growing evidence of a link between Zika and microcephaly"
the CDC issued a travel warning on 15 January 2016 advising pregnant
women to consider postponing travel to Brazil as well as the following
countries and territories where Zika fever had been reported: Colombia, El
Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico,
Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela, and the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico.[120] On 20 January, the Ministry of Health of Chile published a health
notice.[121] On 22 January, eight more countries and territories were added
to the list of those affected: Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Saint
Martin, Guyana, Cape Verde, and Samoa.[122] On 1 February, Costa Rica and
Nicaragua were added to the list, bringing the number of countries and
territories affected to 28.[123]
The agency issued additional guidelines and suggested that women thinking
about becoming pregnant consult with their physicians before traveling.[124]
Canada issued a similar travel advisory.[118][125]