In:

Neglected Tropical Diseases

Authors:

Fabienne Krauer, Maurane Riesen, Ludovic Reveiz, Olufemi T. Oladapo, Ruth Martínez-Vega, Teegwendé V. Porgo, Anina Haefliger, Nathalie J. Broutet, Nicola Low, WHO Zika Causality Working Group

Abstract

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated in March 2016 that there was scientific consensus that the mosquito-borne Zika virus was a cause of the neurological disorder Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) and of microcephaly and other congenital brain abnormalities based on rapid evidence assessments. Decisions about causality require systematic assessment to guide public health actions. The objectives of this study were to update and reassess the evidence for causality through a rapid and systematic review about links between Zika virus infection and (a) congenital brain abnormalities, including microcephaly, in the foetuses and offspring of pregnant women and (b) GBS in any population, and to describe the process and outcomes of an expert assessment of the evidence about causality.

Download full publication: