Over 90% of people carry this virus—and it can cause more than chickenpox and shingles

Over 90% of people worldwide carry the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles. Despite its widespread presence, VZV often goes unrecognized as a cause of serious neurological and systemic diseases, especially when symptoms don't include the characteristic shingles rash. This underappreciated virus remains dormant in nerve cells after the initial infection, and can reactivate later in life, affecting various parts of the body.

While most people are aware of shingles as the primary manifestation of reactivation, VZV can also cause a range of other diseases affecting sensory nerves, blood vessels, and multiple organs. Severe complications can include stroke, vision loss, paralysis, and abdominal pain, often without a visible rash. This stealthy nature of VZV makes it difficult to diagnose, particularly when symptoms don't match the typical shingles picture.

Recognizing these atypical manifestations is crucial, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications. The virus poses a significant challenge for clinicians and researchers due to the lack of specialists in this field. Vaccination and antiviral medications are available to reduce the risk of infection and reactivation, but more research is needed to fully understand the virus's diverse effects and develop better treatments for its atypical forms.