Herpes zoster infection indicates underlying condition: Docs

Nagpur: Herpes zoster is being commonly seen among adults and doctors said the sudden appearance of the acute viral infection could be an indication of some underlying problem like uncontrolled diabetes, HIV or cancer.
Herpes zoster, commonly known as ‘naagin’, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus which also causes chickenpox. It is a latent virus and remains dormant in nerves for years before suddenly showing up.
“It can happen to anyone above 50 but it is most commonly seen in patients with comorbidities or immunosuppressant. Its management is difficult and it creates nuisance in the life of the patient for several month,” said infectious disease specialist Dr Nitin Shinde.
Dr Shinde said he has seen around 12 patients in the last one month which is common with the onset of summer. “A new shingles vaccine to be launched from April could be the answer to herpes zoster. It is two-dose vaccine and taken once in a lifetime,” he said.
The disease begins with sudden appearance of red colour rash on stomach or back causing serve pain for several months. Patients are also unable to comfortably wear or remove clothes. It sends an electric shock-like pain.
“The disease is difficult to manage with medicines and is followed by loss of appetite, hospitalization, drop in sodium level, pneumonia. Comorbid patients are at a higher risk. Some patients also complain of chest pain or consult orthopaedic only to discover herpes zoster,” said Dr Shinde.
Internal medicine expert Dr Mohan Nerker said episodic cases of herpes zoster and adult measles are seen with the onset of summer. “The virus is acquired during chicken pox and remains latent in the nerves for years. It reactivates in adulthood whenever the immunity goes down. Elderly, immunocompromised, transplant patients are at high risk,” he said.
Dr Nerker said vaccination, though costly, is recommended for the high-risk group.
Internal medicine expert Dr Vaibhav Agrawal said it is not an alarming disease but routinely seen in March. “COPD, elderly, students facing exam stress or any sort of tension can suffer from it,” he said.
About measles cases, Dr Shinde said immunity acquired from childhood infection wanes after 25 years. “Adult measles is bit modified as they have some immunity. Kids suffer from frank measles. Rashes appear for a week or two. Measles vaccines are taken generally for foreign travel but can be taken otherwise too,” he said.