Picture of Varicella Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is an illness caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a member of the herpesvirus family. The illness lasts between 5 and 10 days causing an itchy, blister-like rash, fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The characteristic chickenpox rash is red, crusty, and may ooze. Chickenpox rash often first appears on the chest and back and later spreads to the face, head, arms, and legs. Chickenpox is very contagious.
Image Source: Color Atlas of Pediatric Dermatology
Samuel Weinberg, Neil S. Prose, Leonard Kristal
Copyright 2008, 1998, 1990, 1975, by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Text Reference: "Chickenpox (Varicella)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Text Reference: "Chickenpox (Varicella)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.