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May 21, 2013
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Chickenpox (cont.)

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Chickenpox Causes

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox. The disease is highly contagious -- over 90% of nonimmune individuals will develop chickenpox following exposure. VZV is communicable by both direct skin-to-skin contact and via respiratory droplets (for example, coughing, sneezing) from the infected individual. While the average incubation period from viral exposure to onset of symptoms is 12-14 days, symptoms may appear as early as 10 days or as late as 21 days after exposure to the virus.

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Chickenpox - Treatment

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What was the treatment for your chicken pox?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Varicella »

Varicella, commonly known in the United States as chickenpox, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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