Chapter 6: Infections and Infestations
Viral Infections: Varicella-Zoster Virus
The Varicella-Zoster Virus causes both varicella (chicken pox) and zoster (shingles). Upon initial infection with the virus, the patient develops varicella with widespread involvement. As the infection clears, the virus goes into the nerve root where it stays in a latent form until a weakened immune system allows it to return as zoster.