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Chickenpox

Chickenpox

Overview

Chickenpox, also called varicella, is an acute viral disease. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include fever, general malaise, and a rash which begins with small reddish bumps (papules) that quickly fill with fluid to form small blisters (vesicles).

Review Date 8/6/2021

Updated by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.