Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster, or shingles is a disease characterized by painful skin lesions that occur mainly on the trunk (back and stomach) of the body but which can also develop on the face and in the mouth. Complications include headache, vomiting, fever and meningitis. Recovery may take up to 5 weeks. A vaccine exists that provides immunity.

Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that is responsible for chickenpox. Most people are exposed to this virus during childhood. After the primary infection (chickenpox), the virus becomes dormant, or inactivated. In some people the virus reactivates years, or even decades, later and causes herpes zoster.

Herpes zoster is also known as the shingles.^[1]

References[edit]

1. ↑ CDC Glossary