Zika virus (
ZIKV) is an emerging
flavivirus, which has caused a widespread outbreak in the
Americas. Shortly after its introduction in 2015, a cluster of cases with
Guillain-Barré syndrome was detected in
Brazil. Herein, we describe two cases from the city of Salvador,
who developed ascending
paresis after an acute exanthematous illness. The
patients were admitted to the
intensive care unit with tetraparesis and
cranial nerve palsy, which resolved after
intravenous administration of
human immunoglobulin. Serological evaluation detected
IgM-specific
ZIKV antibodies. In regions of
Zika virus transmission,
health-care
workers must be aware of the potential severe neurological
complications associated with
ZIKV infection and be prepared to provide prompt
diagnosis,
treatment, and supportive care (AU)