‘Below Deck Mediterranean’ Star Details Battle With Rare Illness
In a startling Instagram post, stew Kyle Viljoen reveals that he has been undergoing treatment for a potentially life-threatening rare illness.
Kyle Viljoen hasn’t been around Below Deck Mediterranean for too long. When Viljoen uploaded a post on Instagram detailing his recent hospitalization, he left many of his followers shocked. The second stew revealed that he has been diagnosed with a rare skin disorder that has the potential to be life-threatening.
“Late Sunday night was the start to a scary ride for Zachary and I. After starting a new medication I begin to feel generally unwell,” Kyle wrote in his post. “Little did I know the battle I was going to face was the most painful and traumatic bodily experience of my life.”
“Monday started with throat pain like none other. Spread to my mouth, lips, hands, and feet. Having gone to the walk-in clinic & diagnosed with hand-foot-mouth disease they sent me on my way. Wednesday-Thursday I suffered from worsening blisters, inability to tolerate swallowing, tongue swelling, and change in vision. Friday there was still no sign of relief. Zachary rushed me to NYU ER.”
The Rare Illness That Kyle Viljoen Was Diagnosed With
Thankfully for Viljoen, doctors at NYU Langone Health worked quickly to determine what was ailing the Below Deck Med star. After just a few days in the hospital, it appears that Viljoen has made it past the worst of his illness.
“Bypassing others in the ED waiting room, the medical staff rushed me into be examined from head to toe by almost every service from ophthalmology to dermatology (over 20 doctors) and told me I had something called SJS,” Viljoen wrote. He then detailed the specifics behind his illness.
“Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. Treated as a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. Usually a reaction to certain medications that starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that spreads with bursting and oozing blisters. Then the top layer of affected skin dies & sheds. Treated with intensive IVIG transfusions and medical treatment.”
According to the National Library of Medicine, there are only 20,000 new cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome every year. Of those new cases, nearly 10% are reported to be fatal. 80% of all cases of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome are the result of an interaction with a medication. If the cause of the illness is prevented early enough, healing of the skin can begin in days. However, a full recovery may take several months.
For the Bravo Star, he is just happy to begin his road to recovery. “With an impeccable medical staff, a loving fiancé, and support of friends and family I am working towards making a full recovery. Having eaten my first meal in 7 days and finding that coconut milk helps with mouth blisters, I am over the moon with optimism and hope.”
The Good News For Kyle Viljoen
Despite his harrowing ordeal with a rare illness, Viljoen appears to be optimistic about the future. The Below Deck Med star attributes much of his recovery to his friends and family.
“A few things I’ve learned from this experience. One, advocate for your health and treat your body seriously. If something doesn’t feel right seek treatment. Two, family and a support system is EVERYTHING. Without them, I’m not sure where I’d be. And three, try to always get through rough times with lots of love and even more laughs (even when they hurt).”
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In November of 2022, Viljoen excitedly announced that he was officially engaged to his boyfriend Zachary Riley. He revealed in an Instagram post that he proposed to Riley atop Table Mountain, which overlooks Cape Town, South Africa. Just a few months prior to their engagement, Viljoen seemed overjoyed while discussing his relationship on Watch What Happens.
Less than a year later, Viljoen and Riley’s relationship has proven to be able to withstand some troubled waters. And after Viljoen’s recent battle with a potentially life-threatening illness, it’s easy to see why. “So proud of how strong you are,” Zachary wrote under his fiance’s Instagram post. “I love you till the days end, my warrior.”
Let us know your reaction to Viljoen’s rare illness down below in the comments section. Don’t miss new episodes of Below Deck Med on Monday nights on Bravo.
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