chickenpox Also called varicella, a viral disease due to Varicella zoster, affecting mainly children, usually in epidemics. It is contracted from other cases or from cases of shingles and is contagious. It causes malaise, fever, and characteristic vesicular rash – ma only on the trunk and face – which appears in crops. Infrequently it becomes hemorrhage or lung involvement occurs. It is rarely serious in the absence of underlying disease. Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus. Related category HEALTH AND DISEASE Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |