The right Facial (VII) Nerve of the patient has been affected. As a result of a viral infection, the patient developed Bell's palsy. The facial nerve transmits sensory impulses through numerous of the tongue's taste buds and controls the facial skeletal muscles' ability to contract and the secretion of the salivary and tear glands.
Reference:
Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2017). Principles of ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY (15th ed.). Wiley.