Chickenpox Another Viral Skin Infection

A disease caused by infection with the varicella zoster virus, which causes fever and an itchy rash.

Symptoms

A skin rash of blister-like lesions, covering the body but usually more concentrated on the face, scalp, and trunk. Most, but not all, infected individuals have fever, which develops just before or when the rash appears. If exposed, persons who have been vaccinated against the disease may get a milder illness, with less severe rash (sometimes involving only a few red bumps that look similar to insect bites) and mild or no fever.

Complications

Bacterial infection of the skin, swelling of the brain, and pneumonia. Adolescents and adults are more at risk for severe disease.

Transmission

Spread by coughing and sneezing (highly contagious), by direct contact, and by aerosolization of virus from skin lesions.

Vaccine

Varicella vaccine can prevent this disease. Currently, two doses of vaccine are recommended for children, adolescents, and adults.

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