About Varicella Zoster Virus:
- Varicella-zoster is a herpes virus that causes chickenpox, a common childhood illness.
- It is an exclusively human virus that belongs to the α-herpesvirus family.
- It is present worldwide and is highly infectious.
- Primary infection of this virus leads to acute varicella or “chickenpox”.
- The infections can progress to the central nervous system involvement and severe complications.
Key Facts about Chickenpox
- It is a highly contagious disease.
- Symptoms
- It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash, among other symptoms.
- The rash first appears on the chest, back, and face and then spreads over the entire body.
- The virus is spread by:
- Coming in contact with someone who has chickenpox.
- Breathing air from an infected person who sneezes or coughs.
- Coming in contact with fluids from an infected child's eyes, nose or mouth.
- The incubation period of chickenpox is from 10 to 21 days
- It can be serious, especially during pregnancy, in babies, adolescents, adults, and people with weakened immune systems (lowered ability to fight germs and sickness).
