herpesvirus
/ˈhɜrpizˌvaɪrəs/
noun
- Any of a group of viruses that cause diseases such as cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, and genital herpes.
- The herpesvirus family includes eight different types that infect humans.
- Once a herpesvirus enters the body, it can stay there for life without causing symptoms.
- Scientists are studying how herpesviruses hide in nerve cells and reactivate later.