Re: can exposure to a child with chicken pox cause shingles in an adult?

Dorothy:

     That is an interesting question, and the answer is, yes and no.
     
     As you probably seem to know, Shingles (In an adult, so named because 
of the painful projections of tissue that erupt on the back)is caused by 
the same virus as Chicken Pox in children.  Getting that simple bit out of 
the way, I will see if I can answer your question.
     The 'Yes' part is that, if, as an adult you are exposed to a child 
with Chicken Pox, and you have either a.) Never had it, or b.) Not been 
vaccinated against it, you could develop Shingles subsequent to getting 
your 'original' case of Chicken Pox.  There is no obvious connection 
between re-exposure to the virus and development of Shingles.  In fact, it 
is presumed that periodic re-exposures to the Varicella virus may boost 
immunity to the organism and prevent Shingles.  
     Shingles often emerges due to a diminished immune system from old age, 
organ transplant therapy, or other immuno-compromising conditions; (Such as 
HIV).  So, yes exposure to a child with Chicken Pox can eventually cause 
Shingles in an adult, but most evidence indicated that this will not 
'trigger' an outbreak of Shingles.  
     I hope this answers your question.  Good luck learning about viruses 
and pathology.

-Matt-