Which term is a member of the herpes family viruses and commonly presents itself as silent infection?
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a member of the herpesvirus family. It is the causative agent of chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster). Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that is characterized by an itchy rash. Shingles is a reactivation of the virus that can occur later in life.
VZV is a highly contagious virus that is spread through contact with an infected person's respiratory droplets or skin lesions. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects.
After a person is infected with VZV, the virus travels to the nerve cells where it remains dormant. The virus can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. Shingles is characterized by a painful rash that occurs along a nerve pathway.
There are vaccines available to prevent chickenpox and shingles. The chickenpox vaccine is recommended for all children. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over the age of 50.