Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever. The rash appears first on the trunk and face and can spread over the entire body causing between 250 and 500 itchy blisters...more
Chickenpox Topics
About Chickenpox
Overview, signs & symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention, treatment photos...
Vaccination
Information about chickenpox vaccine, who should be vaccinated, vaccination options, vaccine safety...
For Health Care Professionals
Clinical features, complications, interpretation of laboratory tests, assessing immunity to chickenpox...
Laboratory Testing
Guidelines for collecting and shipping specimens to CDC lab...
Surveillance
Information about monitoring chickenpox cases, outbreaks, and deaths...
Outbreaks
Summary of chickenpox outbreaks in the U.S., guidelines for investigating and controlling outbreaks...
Chickenpox Fact Sheet
This fact sheet describes symptoms of infection as well as benefits and risks of vaccination.
NOTE: B&W (black & white), office printing PDF is Section 508-compliant.
Fact Sheet for Kids: Chickenpox Blister Sisters
Meet the chickenpox blister sisters, disease villains who make their victims (usually kids) itch like crazy from chickenpox rash...more
Treatment
For people with chickenpox, call a health care provider if the person
- is older than 12 years of age
- has a weakened immune system or is pregnant
- has a fever above 102°F
- has any areas of the rash or any part of the body that becomes very red, warm, or tender, or begins leaking pus (thick, discolored fluid), since these symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection
Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths may help relieve some of the itching.
Signs & Symptoms
If you have never had chickenpox or chickenpox vaccine, typical symptoms are:
- high fever
- blister-like rash with severe itching all over the body
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
If you have been vaccinated for chickenpox, some people can still get the disease, but it is usually mild with fewer blisters and low or no fever.
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