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New research relates virus to neurological disorders in adults

According to a recent article published by New England Journal of Medicine, French researchers have linked Zika virus to brain infections in adults.

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The research was carried out on an 81-year-old man who was diagnosed with , an inflammation of the brain and its membrane after returning from a cruise in New Caledonia, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and New Zealand in January.

His spinal fluid tests showed that he was positive to the Zika virus.

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“Clinicians should be aware that ZIKV [Zika virus] may be associated with meningoencephalitis,” the French team warns.

After about three weeks of treatments, he was discharged.

In view of these findings, World Health Organisation (WHO) though there are limited evidence to link the Zika virus with neurological disorders,  there is need for an immediate action to protect public health.

“Even with limited evidence linking Zika virus to neurologic disorders, the severe potential risks demand decisive, immediate action to protect public health,” the World Health Organisation (WHO) wrote in response to the French findings.

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