varicella zoster virus
Quick Summary
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the infectious agent responsible for both chickenpox and herpes zoster (shingles). Chickenpox is the initial infection, typically occurring in childhood, and is characterized by an itchy rash of blisters. After recovery from chickenpox, the VZV lies dormant in nerve cells.12
Later in life, the virus can reactivate, causing herpes zoster. This reactivation leads to a painful rash of blisters that typically appears in a stripe along a nerve pathway on one side of the body. While chickenpox usually grants lifelong immunity, herpes zoster can occur more than once. Vaccines are available to prevent both chickenpox and herpes zoster.12
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chickenpoxChickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes herpes zoster (also called zoster, shingles, or zona), a localized eruption of large blisters. Chickenpox is the clinical reaction to a first exposure to the virus. Infection is preventable with vaccination (see List of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases).
Read MoreChickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes herpes zoster (also called zoster, shingles, or zona), a localized eruption of large blisters. Chickenpox is the clinical reaction to a first exposure to the virus. Infection is preventable with vaccination (see List of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases).
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herpes zoster…caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes varicella (chickenpox). Following varicella, which typically occurs in childhood, VZV lies dormant in certain sensory neurons. Later in life, likely owing to reduced or partial remaining immunity to VZV, latent virus is reactivated. When…
Read More…caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes varicella (chickenpox). Following varicella, which typically occurs in childhood, VZV lies dormant in certain sensory neurons. Later in life, likely owing to reduced or partial remaining immunity to VZV, latent virus is reactivated. When…
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infectious diseaseViruses…infections in humans are the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and herpes zoster (shingles); the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis; the cytomegalovirus, which is most often associated with infections of newborn infants and immunocompromised people; and herpes simplex virus, which causes cold
Read More…infections in humans are the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and herpes zoster (shingles); the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis; the cytomegalovirus, which is most often associated with infections of newborn infants and immunocompromised people; and herpes simplex virus, which causes cold
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