What type of infection does the varicella-zoster virus cause?

The varicella-zoster virus is specifically known for causing two primary illnesses: chickenpox and shingles. When a person is initially infected with this virus, they develop chickenpox, which is characterized by an itchy rash, fever, and general discomfort. After the chickenpox symptoms resolve, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles, which is marked by painful rashes and blisters usually on one side of the body.

This understanding of the varicella-zoster virus highlights its unique role in causing these specific infections, distinguishing it from viruses that cause respiratory illnesses like the common cold and flu, or other diseases like measles and mumps, which are caused by different viral agents. Additionally, conditions such as ringworm and athlete's foot are fungal infections, therefore they would not be caused by a virus at all. This specific association of the varicella-zoster virus with chickenpox and shingles makes the answer undeniably correct.