Disease or Syndrome
chickenpox

chick·en·pox [ chik-uhn-poks ]
Subclass of:
Varicella Zoster Virus Infection
Also called:
Varicella
Definitions related to chickenpox:
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(varicella) Varicella zoster virus that is transmitted via respiratory secretions and vesicular skin lesions; clinical manifestations are fever and pruritic, vesicular skin rash ten to twenty-one days after exposure. Clinical complications (e.g., lung, liver and CNS) can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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A highly contagious infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (HERPESVIRUS 3, HUMAN). It usually affects children, is spread by direct contact or respiratory route via droplet nuclei, and is characterized by the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes of successive crops of typical pruritic vesicular lesions that are easily broken and become scabbed. Chickenpox is relatively benign in children, but may be complicated by pneumonia and encephalitis in adults. (From Dorland, 27th ed)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most cases are in children under age 15, but older children and adults can get it. It spreads very easily from one person to another. The classic symptom of chickenpox is an uncomfortable, itchy rash. The rash turns into fluid-filled blisters and eventually into scabs. It usually shows up on the face, chest, and back and then spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms include Fever; Headache; Tiredness; Loss of appetite. Chickenpox is usually mild and lasts 5 to 10 days. Calamine lotions and oatmeal baths can help with itching. Acetaminophen can treat the fever. Do not use aspirin for chickenpox; that combination can cause Reye syndrome. Chickenpox can sometimes cause serious problems. Adults, babies, teenagers, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems tend to get sicker from it. They may need to take antiviral medicines. Once you catch chickenpox, the virus usually stays in your body. You probably will not get chickenpox again, but the virus can cause shingles in adults. A chickenpox vaccine can help prevent most cases of chickenpox, or make it less severe if you do get it. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Highly contagious infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (Herpesvirus 3); usually affects children, is spread by direct contact or respiratory route via droplet nuclei, and is characterized by the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes of successive crops of typical pruritic vesicular lesions that are easily broken and become scabbed; chickenpox is relatively benign in children, but may be complicated by pneumonia and encephalitis in adults.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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(chicken pox) A contagious childhood disorder caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is transmitted via respiratory secretions and contact with chickenpox blister contents. It presents with a vesicular skin rash, usually associated with fever, headache, and myalgias. The pruritic fluid-filled vesicles occur 10-21 days after exposure and last for 3-4 days. An additional 3-4 days of malaise follows before the affected individual feels better. An individual is contagious 1-2 days prior to the appearance of the blisters until all blisters are crusted over. Generally, healthy individuals recover without complications.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Chickenpox is an acute, systemic, usually childhood infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (human herpesvirus type 3). It usually begins with mild constitutional symptoms that are followed shortly by skin lesions appearing in crops and characterized by macules, papules, vesicles, and crusting. Patients at risk of severe...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (see the image below) is the etiologic agent of the clinical syndrome of chickenpox (varicella). Zoster, a different clinical entity, is caused by reactivation of VZV after primary infection.WebMD, 2019
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Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. Chickenpox is highly contagious to people who haven't had the disease or been vaccinated against it. Today, a vaccine is available that protects children against chickenpox. Routine vaccination is recommended by the...Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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Chickenpox, contagious viral disease characterized by an eruption of vesicles (small blisters) on the skin. The disease usually occurs in epidemics, and the infected persons are generally between two and six years old, although they can be of any age. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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