Zika, Guillain-Barré y anestesiología: un punto de intersección entre la salud pública y la práctica clínica / Zika, Guillain-Barré and anesthesiology: A point of intersection between public health and clinical practice

ABSTRACT

Zika is a flavivirus transmitted by the Aedes spp. mosquito, characterized by an asymptomatic presentation in 80% of the cases. When symptoms develop, the primary manifestation is a macopapular rash. Zika is phylogenetically related to other viruses such as dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile. In Colombia, the endemic region for dengue and chikungunya is considered potentially endemic for Zika. The relevance of the virus lies in the associated neurological sequelae including microcephaly of the newborn, and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Furthermore, in view of its re-emergence and association to these sequelae, Zika represents a medical challenge that goes beyond a public health concern, but involves other clinical specialties.