Herpes virus. Computer artwork of herpes virus particles (virions). Each virus consists of a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) genome (red) surrounded by an icosahedral capsid (protein coat), which is itself surrounded by an envelope (green) covered in glycoprotein spikes (grey). Members of the herpes virus family include several that infect humans: herpes simplex viruses type 1 and type 2 (oral and genital herpes), varicella- zoster virus (chicken pox and shingles), Epstein- Barr virus (glandular fever) and cytomegalovirus (various infections).