Knowra Chickenpox Chickenpox Chickenpox is a contagious infection caused by varicella-zoster virus, characterized by an itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. It usually occurs in childhood and can later reactivate as shingles.
Varicella-zoster virus : A herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and can later reactivate as shingles. This virus infects the body, produces chickenpox, and remains latent afterward.
Varicella vaccine : A live attenuated vaccine that protects against chickenpox and reduces the risk of severe disease. Vaccination is the main way to prevent chickenpox and limit its spread.
Droplet transmission : The spread of infectious particles through respiratory droplets released by breathing, speaking, coughing, or sneezing. Infectious respiratory particles help chickenpox spread between people.
Smallpox : A severe, eradicated disease caused by variola virus, with a distinctive pustular rash. Smallpox also caused a blistering rash, but its lesions and distribution differed from chickenpox.
Congenital varicella syndrome : A rare pattern of birth defects caused by varicella-zoster infection during pregnancy. Maternal chickenpox can threaten fetal development, especially during particular stages of pregnancy.
Varicella : The primary infection caused by varicella-zoster virus, commonly known as chickenpox. Varicella is the infection whose progression produces chickenpox’s characteristic rash.
Varicella vaccination schedule : The recommended timing and number of varicella vaccine doses for routine immunization. The schedule specifies how vaccination builds protection against chickenpox.
Direct contact transmission : The spread of an infection through physical contact with an infected person or contaminated material. Contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters can transmit varicella-zoster virus.
Mpox : A viral disease caused by monkeypox virus, often involving fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions. Mpox lesions can resemble chickenpox but often differ in their evolution and associated symptoms.
Neonatal varicella : Chickenpox in a newborn, which can be severe when maternal infection occurs near delivery. Infection around childbirth can expose newborns before they have adequate protective antibodies.
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