Varicella, Chickenpox, Herpes zoster, Shingles

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), also known as human herpes virus 3 (HHV-3), is a human pathogen of the Herpesviridae family that has a double-stranded linear DNA genome. Primary infection usually causes varicella (chickenpox) in children, after which the virus establishes latency in sensory neurons. Subsequent reactivation causes herpes zoster (shingles) in adults.