Definition of masked. 1  1 : marked by the use of masks a masked ball. 2  2 : failing to present or produce the usual symptoms : latent a masked infection a masked virus.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a double-stranded DNA virus with an enveloped, icosahedral capsid. It is a common cause of infections of the skin and mucous membranes, manifesting itself as tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters usually around the mouth or genitals.
Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus exists as two main types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Herpes simplex virus testing identifies the presence of the virus in a sample from a blister, sore or fluid to diagnose an acute herpes infection or detects herpes antibodies in the blood to determine previous exposure to herpes.