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Unexpected Herpes Zoster in a Healthy 22-Month-Old: A Pediatric Case Report
Nouf A Almagushi1, Abdulaziz H Alhussain2
1Dermatology Clinical Attachment, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health and Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Introduction:
Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by varicella zoster virus reactivation, is uncommon in immunocompetent children without prior varicella exposure.
Case Presentation:
We describe a 22-month-old boy who developed HZ 4 months after varicella vaccination, presenting with a unilateral dermatomal vesicular rash. Serological testing was positive for IgM. No maternal or postnatal varicella exposure was reported, and the child had no immunodeficiency.
Conclusion:
This case underscores the rare possibility of HZ in vaccinated young children lacking traditional risk factors, highlighting the need for clinical vigilance even in atypical populations. Further investigation into triggers of early VZV reactivation postvaccination is warranted.
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