Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                 Study Shows Link Between Zika, Brain Disorder

   by VOA News

   Scientists in Brazil found the Zika virus may be linked to another
   brain disorder, an autoimmune syndrome called acute disseminated
   encephalomyelitis, or [1]ADEM, which attacks the brain and spinal cords
   on patients after they contracted the virus.

   The new findings show Zika can cause an immune attack on the central
   nervous system.

   Brazilian news site G1 reported that Maria Lucia Brito Ferreira, a
   neurologist at Restoration Hospital in Recife, Brazil, said the study
   involved 151 patients who visited the hospital between December 2014
   and June 2015.

   Infected patients

   Ferreira observed the patients who had been infected with arboviruses,
   which include Zika, dengue and chikungunya. Out of these patients, six
   were diagnosed with Zika. Five patients reported motor dysfunction,
   vision problems, and one had cognitive decline.

   Zika has already been linked with the autoimmune disorder
   [2]Guillain-Barre, which causes swelling in the brain and spinal cord
   that damages the myelin, a white protective coating that surrounds
   nerve fibers resulting in loss of balance and vision, as well as
   numbness and weakness.

   "Encephalomyelitis is a serious condition, regardless of etiology. It
   is more serious than the Guillain-Barre," Ferreira told G1

   Ferreira is scheduled to present her findings at this week's
   [3]American Academy of Neurology in Vancouver, Canada. The study was
   released Sunday, however.

   Zika is also linked to microcephaly, which causes a spectrum of birth
   defects, miscarriages and deaths in infants, as well as paralysis in
   adults.

   Health emergency

   In January, the World Health Organization called the virus an
   international public health emergency because of its link to
   microcephaly.

   Brazilian officials confirmed more than 940 Zika cases in mothers. The
   country is investigating another 4,300 suspected cases of microcephaly.

   U.S. President Barack Obama asked Congress in early February for $1.9
   billion in emergency funding to fight the Zika virus.

   Reuters reported that at least 13 countries have reported cases of
   Guillain-Barre linked with outbreaks of Zika. WHO believes Zika is
   likely the cause.

   Scientists have known about Zika since it was discovered in Uganda in
   1947.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [4]http://www.voanews.com/content/brazil-study-links-zika-to-brain-diso
   rder/3279845.html

References

   1. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Related-Conditions/Acute-Disseminated-Encephalomyelitis-%28ADEM%29
   2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20025832
   3. https://www.aan.com/
   4. http://www.voanews.com/content/brazil-study-links-zika-to-brain-disorder/3279845.html