Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever. The rash appears first on the trunk and face and can spread over the entire body causing between 250 and 500 itchy blisters…
Signs & Symptoms
If you have never had chickenpox or chickenpox vaccine, typical symptoms are:
- high fever
- blister-like rash with severe itching all over the body
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
If you have been vaccinated for chickenpox, some people can still get the disease, but it is usually mild with fewer blisters and low or no fever.
Chickenpox Vaccine Saves Lives
Get Vaccinated to Protect Yourself and Others
Recently a 4-year-old girl with leukemia died from chickenpox. People with compromised immune systems have a greater risk of severe complications from chickenpox and may not be able to get the chickenpox vaccine. That’s why it’s important that these people be protected by herd immunity, meaning those who can’t get vaccinated are protected because those who can get vaccinated do.
You can protect others by staying up-to-date on your vaccines. You should get two doses of chickenpox vaccine to prevent chickenpox.
Chickenpox Fact Sheet
A fact sheet for parents that describes symptoms of infection as well as benefits and risks of vaccination.
NOTE: B&W (black & white), office printing PDF is Section 508-compliant.
For Kids: Chickenpox Blister Sisters
Meet the chickenpox blister sisters, disease villains who make their victims (usually kids) itch like crazy from chickenpox rash…Treatment
For people with chickenpox, call a health care provider if the person
- is older than 12 years of age
- has a weakened immune system or is pregnant
- has a fever above 102°F
- has any areas of the rash or any part of the body that becomes very red, warm, or tender, or begins leaking pus (thick, discolored fluid), since these symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection
Calamine lotion and colloidal oatmeal baths may help relieve some of the itching.
Want to Know More About Chickenpox?
Download CDC’s mobile app now!
Click “Disease of the Week,” find chickenpox, and take the quiz to test your knowledge!
Available on iOS, Android and Windows 8 tablets
Click “Disease of the Week,” find chickenpox, and take the quiz to test your knowledge!
Available on iOS, Android and Windows 8 tablets
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