Justin Bieber’s Cancels Addition Concert Dates Due To Health Reasons

Bieber has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a rare disease that has partially paralyzed his face

By: Charlotte Hui

The international pop icon Justin Bieber is in good spirits after announcing he had some health problems last Friday, shortly after being diagnosed by doctors for having Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. This rare condition causes facial paralysis.

“I have this syndrome called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. As you can see, this eye is not blinking. I can’t smile on this side of my face. This nostril will not move,” Justin Bieber said in the Instagram video, “[…] my body is telling me I’ve got to slow down.”

According to National Organization for Rare Disorders, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (RHS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by facial nerve palsy, a rash around the lips, and ringing in the ears. RHS is caused by the Varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox in children and shingles in adults. At the same time, up to 5 in 100,000 people develop RHS, and even if treated promptly, there is a slight risk of permanent facial paralysis and hearing loss.

Justin Bieber has announced he will postpone his next three concerts, Tuesday and Wednesday at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena and Friday in Washington, D.C.

“Hold onto your tickets as they will be honoured when the rescheduled dates are announced shortly,” Bieber said.

Justin Bieber has yet to announce a return date, but he promised to rest and recover as soon as possible.