All herpesviruses have similar morphology by electron microscopy. Herpesvirus particles are 120 - 200 nm in diameter. After primary infection herpesviruses have the ability to become latent and persist in their natural host. Exanthem starts on the trunk or scalp and spreads outwards.
Lesions progress from macules to vesicles which break down with crust formation.
Lesions appear in crops, scabs slough off by 10-14 days. Varicella - complications Sepsis Haemorrhagic chicken pox Varicella pneumonia Encephalitis Primary infection during pregnancy may lead to severe maternal disease, foetal damage and neonatal varicella. Surviving infants usually deaf and mentally retarded. Available evidence suggests salivary transmission. Seems to be closely related to CMV and HHV7.