What should you know about Guillain-Barr syndrome and Zika?

Guillain-Barr syndrome is an immune-related condition in which the body's defence response affects peripheral nerves. Tingling or weakness may begin in the feet or legs and move upwards. Some people develop reduced reflexes, difficulty walking, facial weakness, or problems swallowing or breathing. Zika infection can be mild or unnoticed, so a clinician will consider travel, mosquito exposure, recent illness, and the timing of neurological symptoms. The association does not mean every person with Zika develops Guillain-Barr syndrome.

Contact a clinician promptly if weakness, tingling, balance problems, or facial changes develop after possible Zika exposure. Do not drive yourself if walking is difficult. Take details of travel dates, mosquito bites, fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, and any recent infection. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can start the assessment; a [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/) can help review exposure and prevention.

Call emergency services immediately for rapidly worsening weakness, trouble breathing, choking, inability to swallow safely, fainting, or inability to walk. Guillain-Barr syndrome can progress over hours or days and may affect muscles needed for breathing. While waiting for help, remain with the person, keep them safe from falls, and do not give food or drink if swallowing is unsafe.

Ask whether your symptoms could reflect nerve inflammation, which tests or hospital observations are needed, and what changes should trigger emergency help. Tell the clinician about recent travel, illness, vaccines, medicines, and the speed at which weakness or tingling has changed.