Senator Damares Alves (Republicans) was discharged this Saturday, 9th, from DF Star Hospital, in Brasília, after being admitted due to facial paralysis caused by herpes zoster. The congresswoman’s office reported that doctors cleared her to resume her normal activities. Damares will continue with drug treatment at home.
On Thursday, the 7th, the hospital released a medical bulletin stating that the senator was admitted with acute neuropathic pain caused by herpes zoster. In March, she had already mentioned treatment for facial paralysis resulting from the virus.
At the time, on X (formerly Twitter), Damares reported that she was hospitalized for a few days. “About three weeks ago, I was affected by herpes zoster, a disease caused by the reactivation of chickenpox. My infection occurred in the ear, a rare case, and caused facial paralysis. I was hospitalized for a few days. I am undergoing treatment to alleviate the situation,” he said.
Understand what herpes zoster is
Caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same as chickenpox, herpes zoster appears on the body with small blisters that itch and burn. The most common place for lesions to appear is on the trunk, but they can also appear on the arms and legs or, more rarely, in the ears. The pain is usually local, but very intense.
To Estadão, otorhinolaryngologist Paulo Dorea said that some people affected by the disease may have permanent facial effects. “We have to be concerned about restoring this motor function because, in a few cases, the face may not return to normal, requiring surgery,” said the doctor.
Paralysis is measured in numbers from one to six – the closer to six, the greater the risk of the aftereffect not disappearing. The eye is a sensitive point. Very acute paralysis can lock the eyelid, preventing the eye from closing. In these cases, in which the patient needs to learn to sleep with their eyes open, continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure that the retina does not become dry or damaged.
How to protect yourself from shingles
There are already two vaccines against herpes zoster in Brazil: Shingrix (recombinant) or Zostavax. “This vaccine is highly effective, absolutely suitable for anyone over 60 years of age and relatively suitable for people of other ages”, says infectious disease specialist Adriano Silva.
Immunization, however, is not available in the Unified Health System (SUS). Depending on the brand and laboratory chosen for purchase, each dose of the vaccine (two recommended) can cost R$800.
Since September last year, a project that includes the vaccine against herpes zoster disease in the SUS national immunization calendar has been in progress in the Chamber.
