Chickenpox is a disease that usually occurs during childhood and is easily spread. By adulthood, more than 90 percent of Americans have had chickenpox.
The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Spread of chickenpox occurs from person-to-person by direct contact or through the air by coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms are usually mild among children, but may be life-threatening to adults and people of any age with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms may include:
Treatment for chickenpox may include: