| Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is one of eight herpes viruses known to infect humans (and other vertebrates). Varicella zoster virus is known by many names, including: chickenpox virus, varicella virus, zoster virus, and human herpes virus type 3 (HHV-3). It commonly causes chicken-pox in children and both shingles and postherpetic neuralgia in adults. Primary VZV infection results in chickenpox (varicella). After clinical symptoms of chickenpox have resolved, VZV remains dormant in the nervous system of the infected person (virus latency). In about 10-20% of cases, VZV reactivates later in life producing a disease known as herpes zoster or shingles. Serious complications of shingles include postherpetic neuralgia, zoster multiplex, myelitis, herpes ophthalmicus, or zoster sine herpete (Wiki: Varicella zoster). |
