Disseminated Herpes Zoster After Varicella Vaccination in a Healthy Boy.

The incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) is 42 cases per 100 000 people per year. Infection in children is very rare. The varicella vaccine offers 90% protection against chickenpox and nearly 100% protection against severe cases. Immunization against varicella was initially expected to cause a decrease in the incidence of HZ. However, the vaccine virus can cause a latent infection that later manifests as HZ. Recent studies have also demonstrated that the risk of HZ in children who have had natural varicella infection is significantly higher than in vaccinated children with no history of chickenpox.