Herpes Zoster (Shingles)


vzv.jpg (26532 bytes) Infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of human herpesvirus family (human herpesvirus 3, HHV3), results in two distinct clinical diseases: Childhood chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster). One of the major complications of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) which is characterized by persistent pain induced after the VZV reactivation and resolution of skin rash. A live attenuated varicella vaccine (Oka/Merck) is available for immunization against chickenpox.
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Shingles (Zoster)

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

Varicella Vaccine

Other Links

Prepared By: Abbas Vafai, Ph. D.
Biologics Branch (BB),
Scientific Resources Program (SRP)
National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA (CDC)
Tel: (404) 639-1491

Fax: (404) 639-3120
abv4@cdc.gov