Dysgeusia: A misdiagnosed case of an early manifestation of varicella-zoster infection

Bitter taste dysgeusia is a rare symptom where patients experience all foods as bitter. While its cause is still unknown, it has been increasingly reported in infections. The altered taste sensation associated with herpes zoster infection is not uncommon. However, it is rare in primary varicella infections. In this case report, we present what we believe to be the first case of bitter taste dysgeusia presenting as a prodromal symptom in primary varicella zoster infection.