DHAKA: New research gives the first evidence that Zika virus might cause a severe neurological disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The study was carried out using blood samples from 42 patients who became ill in a previous outbreak.

The Lancet authors say they developed the neurological problems around six days after Zika infection, reports the BBC.

Leading scientists described the study as "compelling".

Zika was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in early February.

The virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, has caused alarm in central and south America because of its suspected links to under-developed brains in babies - a condition called microcephaly.

But experts have also questioned whether Zika might be linked to another medical condition as well.

Guillain-Barré syndrome leads to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, breathing problems requiring intensive care.

It is a rare response to infection, which sees the immune system attacking peripheral nerves.

Researchers analysed the blood of patients who developed the disorder during a Zika outbreak in French Polynesia in the Pacific two years ago.

From this work, they predict there could be one case of Guillain-Barré among every 4,000 people falling ill with Zika.

The lead author Professor Arnaud Fontanet, from the Institut Pasteur in Paris, said: "These patients tended to deteriorate more rapidly than we usually see with Guillain-Barré.

"But once they were over the acute phase of the illness, their recovery tended to be better."

None of the 42 patients died but some still needed help walking, several months after they became ill.

The researchers say countries with Zika should prepare for extra cases of the nerve disorder.

BDST:  0950 HRS, MAR 01, 2016
RS