Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome?

• Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears.
• In addition to the painful shingles rash, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear.
• Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox – the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
• After chickenpox clears up, the virus still lives in your nerves.
• Years later, it may reactivate. When it does, it can affect your facial nerves

Symptoms

The two main signs and symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are:

• A painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in and around one ear
• Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear

Risk factors

• Ramsay Hunt syndrome can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox.
• It’s more common in older adults, typically affecting people older than 60.
• Ramsay Hunt syndrome is rare in children.
• Ramsay Hunt syndrome isn’t contagious.
• However, reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can cause chickenpox in people who haven’t previously had chickenpox or been vaccinated for it.
• The infection can be serious for people who have immune system problems.

Source: Indian Express

Previous Year Questions

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2017)

1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by ‘the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2