known to infect humans and vertebrates. can cause two diseases: chickenpox (varicella)

and shingles (herpes zoster). commonly causes chickenpox in children,

teens and young adults and herpes zoster (shingles) in adults and rarely in children.

Varicella zoster virus (VSV)

Initial symptoms include sudden onset of slight fever and feeling tired and weak.

Painful blisters on the tongue and ear along with one sided facial weakness and hearing loss.

May appear on the scalp, armpits, trunk and even on the eyelids and in the mouth.

The disease is usually more serious in young infants and adults than in children.

Symptoms commonly appear 14 to 16 days (range of ten to 21 days) after exposure to someone with chickenpox or herpes zoster (shingles).

Symptoms

Immunocompromised children and adultsNewborns of mothers with varicella shortly

before or after deliveryPremature infantsInfants less than one year of ageAdults without evidence of immunityPregnant women

High Risk Groups

Treated by a number of drugs and therapeutic agents including acyclovir for the chicken pox.

People infected with the disease should remain home until the blisters become dry and crusted. It is very important to avoid exposing non-immune newborns and persons with a weakened immune system to chickenpox.

Avoid exposing others who are susceptible. The chickenpox vaccine (Varivax). Avoid contact with anyone who has chickenpox.

Treatment

Varicella zoster virus(VSV)