Learn about varicella case reporting and definitions, deaths, and other surveillance resources. Learn how CDC works with state health departments to monitor varicella outbreaks. Identify common symptoms, causes and spread, treatment, and risks of chickenpox (varicella).

Chickenpox, also known as varicella (/ ˌvɛrəˈsɛlə / VER-ə-SEL-ə), is a highly contagious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpesvirus family. [3][7][5] The disease results in a characteristic skin rash that forms small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab over. [1] .

Apr 19, 2023 · Chickenpox is an illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It brings on an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. Chickenpox spreads very easily to people who haven't had the disease or haven't gotten the chickenpox vaccine.

Oct 15, 2022 · Chickenpox or varicella is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The virus is responsible for chickenpox (usually primary infection in non-immune hosts) and herpes zoster or shingles (following reactivation of latent infection).

Nov 16, 2023 · Chickenpox, also called varicella-zoster, produces a red rash that blisters, then scabs over. It’s very contagious and spreads through bodily fluids and bodily contact. You can prevent chickenpox with a vaccine.

Nov 14, 2023 · Chickenpox is a very contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It mainly affects kids, but adults can also get it. The telltale sign of chickenpox is a super-itchy skin rash...

Varicella (chickenpox) is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpesvirus family. Only one serotype of VZV is known, and humans are the only reservoir.

Jul 15, 2024 · CDC recommends 2 doses of varicella vaccine for children, adolescents, and adults who do not have evidence of immunity. ACIP recommends people with no evidence of immunity should get varicella vaccine if they are exposed to varicella or herpes zoster.

Varicella vaccine (also called chickenpox vaccine) is a live varicella virus strain that is formulated for nonimmune individuals. It does not cause a widespread infection like wild-type varicella virus but only local infection, enough to stimulate new, protective levels of antibodies.

Mar 25, 2025 · Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella virus, and it is highly contagious. It can spread in one of three ways: by coughing or sneezing, physical contact with broken blisters, or by virus particles from the blisters that are sprayed in the air. The rash of chickenpox begins as red bumps that turn into blisters that cover the entire body.