Chickenpox

Chickenpox (varicella) is an acute infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpes virus family. It is characterized by mild fever and a widespread rash that appears on the skin. The rash progresses through stages: red spots, followed by fluid-filled blisters, then pustules, and finally crusts.

The disease most commonly affects children, who typically recover quickly if their general health is good. Adults, pregnant women, infants, and immunocompromised individuals face greater risk of complications.

Transmission

The virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and through direct contact with the characteristic rash. A person can transmit the virus from several days before the rash appears until all blisters have crusted over. The incubation period from exposure to the onset of symptoms is typically around two weeks.

Signs and treatment

Early symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. This is followed by the appearance of numerous small blisters that spread across the body, face, scalp, and even inside the mouth. Treatment is mainly symptomatic: adequate hydration, fever-reducing medication, and measures to relieve itching. Antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir) are used for high-risk individuals. Keeping the skin clean reduces secondary bacterial infection of the blisters.

Relation to shingles

After recovery from chickenpox, the virus does not leave the body; it remains dormant in nerve tissue. Years later, particularly if the immune system weakens, it can reactivate and cause another disease called herpes zoster (shingles), characterized by a painful rash on one side of the body.

Prevention

Vaccination against varicella is the most effective way to prevent the disease and is included in childhood immunization schedules in many countries. Those infected once typically develop lifelong immunity. When the disease occurs in a household or school setting, temporary isolation until the rash heals is often recommended.