Varicella-zoster virus is a neurotropic virus that after the primary infection, usually manifested as chickenpox, may reactivate with infection of the central nervous system. When no skin lesions are present, a high clinical suspicion is required to reach the diagnosis. We report a case of an adolescent boy with varicella-zoster virus reactivation with meningitis in the absence of a zoster rash.
Case ReportA 15-year-old boy was admitted to the emergency room with a nine-day history of persistent frontal headache. The headaches responded poorly to analgesia but had no other alarming features. Two days prior to admission, he complained of nausea, vomiting and hypersensitivity to light and loud noises. He had no fever, rash, or additional symptoms.
DiscussionVaricella-zoster virus (VZV) is a neurotropic virus that
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