A Case of Disseminated Zoster in an Immunocompetent Patient

The incidence of herpes zoster, more commonly known as shingles, is approximately 1.2 million individuals per year, which has been increasing worldwide. While the most common presentation of zoster is a rash and acute neuritis (the pain associated with the rash) within one or more contiguous dermatomes, other more serious manifestations such as herpes zoster ophthalmicus, acute retinal necrosis, Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus), aseptic meningitis, pneumonitis, bacterial superinfection and disseminated zoster ought to be considered by the clinician. This case report serves as a reminder for the emergency physician to bear these very serious complications in mind during the evaluation of a patient with suspected herpes zoster infection.