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Varicella Zoster Virus

We have some helpful information about the varicella virus vaccine that everyone needs to be aware of. This common infection is highly contagious; read more to discover all that there is to know about this disease. In this article, there are also informative facts about the herpes virus varicella including a definition of this condition, as well as, the history of varicella zoster virus and information about treating and curing this condition, as well.

The interesting history of varicella zoster virus dates back to the 18th century when William Herberden determined a method for distinguishing between herpes zoster (shingles) and chicken pox. Both diseases are associated together because they are both caused by the same virus. It was estimated in 1831 by Richard Bright that the disease was caused by the dorsal root ganglion and thirty years later, this idea was confirmed in the newspaper by Felix von Barunsprung.

As mentioned above, this condition is a rash caused by the same herpes virus family (related to the sexually transmitted disease known as genital herpes) that results in chicken pox. When a person has been infected with chickenpox, the virus remains in the nervous system of the body, indefinitely.

Re-occurrence happens only when the individual has undergone emotional stress, has been diagnosed with cancer, has an immune deficiency (such as, AIDS or chemotherapy), or when the virus reactivates to cause shingles. Those who have had chickenpox are at risk for being affected by shingles, although typically, this condition happens in those over the age of sixty. This condition can also be spread to those who have never been infected with chickenpox.

Symptoms of this condition include a rash, as well as, an extended sensation of burning, pain, and sensitivity to the skin, that may last for several days or up to a week. Sometimes the rash is not present, which makes it difficult to diagnose this disease. In most cases, blisters will also appear along the spinal cord in a vein-like pattern (known as a dermatomal pattern). Typically, only one set of nerves is affected, however, sometimes more than level of nerves becomes affected.

The cure for this condition is a MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella), which was first made available for use in 1988 (in Japan and Korea) and was not released in the United States until 1995. In 2005, the traditional MMR shot that was administered to elementary students was combined with a vaccine to cure varicella, as well. This shot is approved for use in those who are twelve months in age to twelve years in age.

This highly contagious herpes virus varicella condition, is completely curable and manageable, as well. We hope you have learned some helpful information about the history, causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition. The introduction of the varicella virus vaccine dramatically cut back on the deaths from this disease by more than 90% and this simple cure has been keeping people healthy since 1995 in the states.