Family of DNA-containing viruses that infect a wide range of vertebrates; in humans, members of this family are responsible for chickenpox, oral and genital herpes, and mononucleosis. Different types of human herpesviruses: Type 1 herpes simplex: causes cold sores of the mouth Type 2 herpes simplex: causes genital herpes Type 3: is the varicella-zoster virus -- causes chickenpox and herpes zoster Type 4: is the Epstein-Barr (EB) virus -- causes infectious mononucleosis Type 5: is the cytomegalovirus (CMV) Type 6: causes exanthema subitum and hepatitis Type 7: may cause Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS patients.