Chickenpox (also known as varicella) is is a common childhood illness, especially prevalent among children under the age of 14. Though more common in children, this disease can also occur in adults.
Chickenpox is a viral disease, and results in a blistering skin rash which can be very itchy.
Child with chicken pox
The disease is caused by a herpes virus (the Varicella zoster virus) and is highly contagious. It is spread by breathing in droplets breathed into the air by an infected person's cough, sneeze or even exhalation. Also the virus can be spread from the virus contained inside the fluid inside chickenpox blisters
A person suffering chickenpox is infectious from when the first symptoms appear until the last blisters form scabs.
For normal healthy people, chickenpox is a mild (though uncomfortable) disease. Complications are rare but when they occur, they can be serious. People at risk from complications include pregnant women, newborn infants and people with weak immune systems (eg people undergoing chemotherapy, people with HIV).
Vaccines are available to prevent chickenpox. Immunisation is available both for children and adults.
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