Varicella zoster meningitis following COVID-19 vaccination: a report of two cases

Int J Infect Dis. 2022 Jun:119:214-216. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.055. Epub 2022 Mar 30.

Abstract

Most of the adverse effects reported in patients who have received COVID-19 vaccines have been mild. However, possible serious adverse effects are being monitored cautiously. There have also been a number of case reports of reactivation of varicella zoster infection within 28 days after immunization with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. A few cases have also been reported after viral vector and inactivated COVID-19 vaccination. The incidence of meningitis following varicella zoster virus infection is rare. In the current study, we report two cases of male patients who received two different types of COVID-19 vaccine (inactivated and viral vector) and developed varicella zoster meningitis within 10 days after vaccination.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccine; Herpes zoster; Immunization; Meningitis; Post-vaccination; Shingles; varicella-zoster.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines / adverse effects
  • COVID-19*
  • Chickenpox Vaccine / adverse effects
  • Chickenpox* / prevention & control
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions* / etiology
  • Herpes Zoster* / diagnosis
  • Herpes Zoster* / epidemiology
  • Herpes Zoster* / etiology
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis* / etiology
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Chickenpox Vaccine