16th July 2026

A 39-year-old male with history of eczema presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of being generally unwell and a painful rash on the neck.

A 39-year-old male with history of eczema presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of being generally unwell and a painful rash on the neck. On examination, there is neck lymphadenopathy. Rash appears to be monomorphic in nature, red and black, with a punched-out lesion. 

Physical observations: Temperature of 38.6 °C, BP: 100/65, HR: 115, Spo2: 96% on room air. 

Given the likely diagnosis, which of the following viruses is likely to be responsible for this presentation?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.