Chicken Pox

Chicken pox (varicella) is a contagious illness that causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters (pox) all over the body. It can cause complications in high-risk individuals such as pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. While chicken pox is usually mild in healthy children, it can lead to more severe health concerns in some cases.

Causes & Transmission

Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, shared food or drinks, or touching the fluid from blisters. It is contagious from 2-3 days before symptoms appear until all blisters have crusted over.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Blister-like rash with severe itching
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness

Complications

While normally mild, chicken pox can lead to severe complications, including:

• Bacterial infections of the skin, soft tissues, or bloodstream (sepsis)
• Dehydration
• Pneumonia
• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• Toxic shock syndrome
• Reye's syndrome in individuals who take aspirin during infection