About Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). 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.
Chickenpox can be serious, especially during pregnancy, in babies, adolescents, adults, and people with weakened immune systems (lowered ability to fight germs and sickness).
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine.
Learn about how the chickenpox vaccine has been saving lives and preventing illness since 1995: U.S. Chickenpox Vaccination Program.
Learn more about typical signs and symptoms of chickenpox.
Learn about possible serious health problems from chickenpox.
Learn how the virus can spread.
Learn about ways to relieve chickenpox symptoms and treatments that may be prescribed by a doctor.
View images of chickenpox in unvaccinated people and view images of chickenpox in vaccinated people (also called breakthrough chickenpox or breakthrough varicella).