Chickenpox, called varicella by scientists, is a formerly ubiquitous childhood illness that produces a characteristic vesicular rash of varying extent and severity. In earlier days, chickenpox affected almost every child. however, the incidence of this condition has dropped steeply following the introduction of varicella-zoster vaccines.
The illness is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), an alphaherpesvirus. After causing chickenpox of varying intensity during the primary attack, the virus hibernates in the sensory ganglia and may persist for a lifetime. Immunological compromise may lead to the reactivation of the virus, causing herpes zoster (commonly called shingles).
Introduction
Chickenpox is a benign and self-resolving condition in most pediatric cases and even among most adults. However, a small minority may develop serious complications, and some may die. Varicella complicating pregnancy could sometimes lead to birth defects, with about one in 2000 live-born babies born to such women showing signs of congenital varicella.