6 Things You Need To Know About Justin Bieber’s Virus Causing Ramsey Hunt Syndrome

The artist put out a video on Friday in which he explained why he had to cancel many shows in the previous week due to a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.

Justin Bieber’s virus he is battling is a very rare yet severe condition for persons who have it. Let us take a look in some thing you need to know about Ramsey Hunt syndrome.

1. varicella-zoster virus causes Ramsay Hunt syndrome

The varicella-zoster virus causes Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. In a person who has had chickenpox as a kid, the virus can lay latent for decades.

2. The same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles

 VZV is a human alphaherpesvirus that causes varicella (chickenpox) as the primary infection and establishes latency in sensory ganglia.

3. varicella-zoster virus can be identified through diagnosis

The diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome is made after a comprehensive clinical examination, a full patient history, and the recognition of specific symptoms (i.e. facial palsy and rash).

4. Not contagious

The Ramsey Hunt syndrome is not contagious; however, the herpes zoster virus that can be found in the blisters of Ramsay Hunt syndrome can be transmitted to other people and cause chickenpox in those who are unvaccinated against chickenpox and who have never had chickenpox.

5. Varicella-zoster is a herpes virus

It  is one of nine known herpes viruses infecting humans. It causes chickenpox commonly affecting children and young adults, and shingles in adults but rarely in children.

6. It may leave severe damages

Yes! Ramsey Hunt syndrome is a rare yet severe condition that causes facial weakness or paralysis, and a rash on the outer ear.

The inability to correctly seal the eye might expose the cornea to abnormal drying and foreign body irritation, people with Ramsay Hunt syndrome must take extra precautions to avoid corneal damage. To preserve the cornea, artificial tears and lubricating ointments may be administered.

There is a lot to learn about this virus causing Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. Read more here Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS): Signs & Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment.

Justin Bieber battling a tough one and might need all the support of fans, friends and family.