Elderly Patient Recovers From Rare Bilateral Herpes Zoster At Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata

In a landmark medical achievement, Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, successfully treated a rare and severe case of bilateral Herpes Zoster in Nanda Ghosh, a 74-year-old patient. This is only the fourth reported instance of bilateral Herpes Zoster in a non-immunocompromised patient in India.

The elderly woman presented with high fever, severe headache, nasal congestion, and persistent coughing. Upon further examination, vesiculopapular rashes—characteristic of the Herpes virus—were observed on both sides of her face, making this an exceptional case of bilateral Herpes Zoster, which typically affects a single side of the body.

Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles, usually appears along a single nerve root, causing painful rashes. However, in this instance, the virus manifested on both sides of the patient’s face, including her forehead, cheeks, and eyes—a highly unusual presentation for someone in otherwise good health.

The condition required the expertise of a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Partha Sarathi Bhattacharjee, Consultant - Internal Medicine at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations confirmed the rare bilateral presentation. The patient was promptly administered antiviral medication (Zovirax) to target the Herpes virus and antibiotics (Meropenem) to address potential secondary infections. Specialists in dermatology and ophthalmology were also involved to ensure holistic care.

Speaking about the case, Dr. Bhattacharjee said, “This was a medical anomaly, especially in an elderly patient without immunosuppression. If untreated, Herpes Zoster can cause severe complications like blindness, nerve damage, or hearing loss. Timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention were crucial in this case. Preventative measures like the shingles vaccine, administered in a two-dose series, can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks, particularly in elderly individuals.”

Expressing his relief, Nanda Ghosh’s son shared, “Watching my mother suffer without a clear diagnosis was heartbreaking. This is the fourth time we have turned to Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, and their team has always gone above and beyond. The doctors’ expertise and compassionate care brought my mother back to good health. We are incredibly grateful.”

Under the dedicated care of the hospital’s team, the patient demonstrated remarkable progress within a week. Her fever subsided, rashes healed without secondary infections, and her overall condition stabilised. She was discharged after ten days in good health, bringing an end to her challenging ordeal.