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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffAnyone who has had chickenpox can develop Ramsay Hunt syndrome. But, it's more common in older adults, typically affecting people older than 60. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is rare in children.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome isn't contagious. However, reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can cause chickenpox in people you come in contact with if they haven't previously had chickenpox. The infection can be serious for people with immune system deficiencies.
Until the rash blisters scab over, avoid physical contact with:
- Anyone who's never had chickenpox
- Anyone who has a weak immune system
- Newborns
- Pregnant women (because chickenpox infection can be dangerous for a developing baby)
- Mattox, DE. Clinical disorders of the facial nerve. In: Cummings CW, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.; Mosby; 2005.
- Fort G, et al. Ramsay Hunt syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008: 498.
- Mueller NH, et al. Varicella zoster virus infection: Clinical features, molecular pathogenesis of disease, and latency. Neurologic Clinics. 2008;26:675.
- Herpes zoster oticus information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ramsay2/ramsay2.htm. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Shingles: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/shingles/detail_shingles.htm#124173223. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome: Treatment. Ramsay.org. http://www.ramsayhunt.org/treat.shtml. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Herpes zoster oticus. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch086/ch086e.html. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
- Recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0-6 years - United States, 2008. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.aafp.org/online/etc/medialib/aafp_org/documents/clinical/immunization/childsched.Par.0001.File.tmp/08childsched.pdf. Accessed Nov. 16, 2008.
