Varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster are caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (shingles). Varicella, or chickenpox, is caused by a primary VZV infection, which causes a diffuse vesicular rash. The Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) is always in circulation, and the illness burden rises throughout the spring season. Clinical diagnosis is difficult due to a wide range of clinical presentations ranging from vesicular rash to hemorrhage or neurological sequelae.

Keywords: Varicella; chickenpox; shingles; varicella zoster virus; herpes zoster.