The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a DNA virus that is part of the herpes family. The primary infection of VZV infection is chickenpox (varicella) and reactivation of the virus can lead to shingles (herpes zoster).
Infection with VZV during pregnancy may have a severe impact on the mother (it can lead to maternal mortality and severe morbidity) and the fetus and neonate (fetal varicella syndrome).