What microbe causes herpes simplex?

The virus that causes herpes simplex is called the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is a type of herpesvirus, a family of viruses that also includes the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox and shingles, and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) that causes infectious mononucleosis. HSV is a common virus that can cause a variety of infections in the skin, mouth, genitals, and other parts of the body. There are two main types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is the type that most commonly causes oral herpes, also known as cold sores, while HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes. However, either type of HSV can infect any part of the body.