Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office confirmed on Thursday that the California Democrat experienced broader health complications following her shingles diagnosis, contradicting an earlier denial from the senator herself. Ramsay Hunt syndrome can occur when a case of shingles affects a facial nerve close to an eye, according to the Mayo Clinic. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin told CNN he was unaware of the additional illness. The 89-year-old Democrat had been recovering from shingles at home in California, and had been absent from the Hill since February prior to her return. The New York Times was first to report on undisclosed complications that Feinstein has experienced following her shingles diagnosis, including encephalitis.

Source: CNN May 18, 2023 13:03 UTC