Puerto Rico reports second death linked to Zika-related paralysis

A 75-year-old man in Puerto Rico died from Zika-related paralysis, becoming the second individual in the U.S. territory to die from the condition, reported The Associated Press.

The man died this month after developing complications related to Guillain-Barre syndrome — a disorder in which the immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system, which incites paralysis. Guillain-Barre has been previously linked to Zika. The man suffered from comorbidities such as diabetes, asthma and a history of cancer.

The first individual to die due to Zika-related Guillain-Barre in Puerto Rico was between 35 and 45 years of age.

As of Sept. 21, according to the CDC, the Puerto Rico Department of Health has reported 19,395 cases of Zika on the island.

More articles on the Zika virus: 
Aerial spraying played key role in eliminating Zika mosquitoes from Miami's Wynwood neighborhood 
How hospitals are preparing for Zika: 5 survey findings 
Texas begins testing blood donations for Zika

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