herpes zoster

herpes zoster The herpes virus that causes chickenpox (varicella). Herpes zoster and chickenpox are usually contracted in childhood, at which time the virus infects nerves (namely, the dorsal root ganglia). It remains latent for years but can later be reactivated to cause shingles (blisters over the distribution of the affected nerve). Shingles is often accompanied by intense pain and itching. Also known as shingles, zona, zoster, and human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3). See also chickenpox; chickenpox immunization; shingles.