"VZV, also known as human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3), is a double-stranded DNA virus that is widespread in the environment 2."
"other viral encephalitides, especially HSV encephalitis"
"Diagnosis is often made with a combination of serum blood tests, cerebrospinal fluid samples and neuroimaging. CT and MRI brain may be normal; however, they are important in their ability to rule out other differential diagnoses 2."
"VZV is an airborne, neurotropic virus. Once infected, it establishes lifelong latency in the ganglionic neurones. It can reactivate and cause encephalitis, as well as other neurological complications such as myelitis, cranial nerve palsies, vasculopathy, keratitis and retinopathy 3."