Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in an Immunocompetent Child With Concurrent COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a rare complication of herpes zoster (HZ) that can occur in pediatric patients. It can have significant implications for affected individuals, with the potential for patients to experience ocular complications. Additionally, HZO can have a chronic disease course, requiring long-term treatment in some patients. Following the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports worldwide have identified a potential association between HZO and COVID-19. This case report describes a rare case of a child presenting HZO during a COVID-19 infection.

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of herpes zoster occurrence/recurrence after COVID‐19 infection and vaccination

“…[7][8][9] Apart from blistering rash along the dermatomal distribution and postherpetic neuralgia, HZ can manifest in various forms, including herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), herpes zoster oticus (Ramsey Hunt syndrome), encephalitis, meningitis, and visceral nerve zoster. 6,10 In additional, zoster sine herpete (ZSH), a condition where VZV reactivation occurs primarily in sensory ganglia and nerve roots, can manifest without the typical cutaneous vesicular eruption associated with HZ, leading to extremely severe and debilitating radicular pain. 11 Evidence suggests that the incidence of HZ has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and immunization efforts, possibly related to lymphopenia commonly associated with both infection and vaccination.…”