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Varicella-Zoster Virus

Also known as: VZV, chickenpox (varicella), shingles (herpes zoster).

What is varicella-zoster virus?

Varicella-zoster virus is the virus that causes both chickenpox and shingles. Chickenpox can occur upon initial infection with the virus, while shingles tends to occur later in life when the dormant virus that caused chickenpox reactivates.

What causes varicella-zoster virus?

The varicella-zoster virus can be spread from person to person via skin-to-skin contact, sneezing, coughing or breathing.

What are the symptoms of varicella-zoster virus?

Chickenpox causes small itchy blisters all over the body, as well as fatigue, headache, fever and other flu-like symptoms. Shingles causes a large rash and blisters on just one side of the body, as well as a burning sensation where the rash occurs, fever, headache, upset stomach and other flu-like symptoms.

What are varicella-zoster virus care options?

Vaccines are available to prevent both chickenpox and shingles from occurring. We recommend that children diagnosed with Chickenpox do not get Aspirin as it can trigger Reye disease. Antiviral drugs can help to minimize problems for people at risk of complications from the varicella-zoster virus.

Reviewed by: P. Marcelo Laufer, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:26 PM

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Congenital Varicella

Congenital varicella can occur after a mother is infected with chickenpox (the varicella zoster virus) early in pregnancy. The virus is passed to the unborn fetus, ultimately leading to congenital varicella.

Smallpox

Smallpox is a dangerous viral infection. It was eradicated globally in the 1980s due to the widespread distribution and use of immunizations. In most cases, children are currently not immunized for smallpox due to the low risk of developing the disease now.

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If the brain becomes infected and inflamed, this condition is often known as encephalitis. In most cases it causes flu-like symptoms and is fairly mild, but it can become life-threatening in rare instances.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that causes itchy spots in children who haven’t had the disease or been vaccinated against it.

Vaccines

Vaccinations provide the body with protection from developing the illnesses later in life.