Advances in epidemiological researches of Herpes zoster / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Herpes zoster ( HZ, also known as shingles) , caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus ( VZV) , is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters involving a limited area. Elderly individuals older than fifty years of age are at increased risk of contracting HZ. In China, HZ becomes a significant health burden along with population aging. The virological characteristics, clinical di-agnosis, epidemiological characteristics of HZ are summarized in this review. Moreover, the burden of HZ, risk factors as well as the prevention and control of HZ are also discussed.