Is Herpes Zoster (Chicken Pox/Shingles) contagious to squirrels?

[Crystalis178]

I've recently been diagnosed with Shingles. I have been experiencing symptoms since this past Sunday (about one week ago) and I've been on anti-viral medication for the past few days (since Thursday). To be honest, I'm more concerned for Scout than myself. I'm keeping my handling of her to a minimum but I don't like seeing her cooped up all day. With this in mind, two questions:

(1) Can the virus that causes Shingles (Herpes Zoster) be contracted by squirrels? I read up a bit on Squirrel Pox but it appears to be a different strain of virus.
(2) Are there ANY illnesses that people regularly get that squirrels can contract?

If there is already a thread that answers either of these, could someone possibly point me in that direction? Thank you so much for your time. :Love_Icon I greatly enjoy visiting The Squirrel Board even though I usually only do so when I'm looking to learn or relieve distress.

[island rehabber]

Sorry you have the shingles -- it's very painful, I know.

Chrystalis, I don't know of any record of herpes zoster being transferred from human to animal. It is very different from squirrel pox, yes, although still in the herpes virus family. Acyclovir treats both -- but is far more effective on the shingles than on squirrel pox.

This is my uneducated guess, as I'm not a researcher in this field. Just saying that I have never, ever heard of it so I'm thinking with good hygiene practices, etc., you have nothing to worry about.

Stop by more often, and not just with problems -- we have a lot of fun here! :grin3

[farrelli]

It's not considered an anthroponotic disease (jumping species), so no. Most viruses can't do this.

[Crystalis178]

Thank you very much for the advice and peace of mind. I will do my best to stop by and lend my own advice and findings. Maybe some pictures or videos too! ^_^