La varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by chickenpox virus-zone (VZV), transmitted by direct contact with the blisters of an infected person or through the respiratory tract.

The disease results in the appearance of rash which after about a week will dry out and form a crust.

Because of the contagion, it is best to keep the child with chickenpox at home.

Usually, people who had chickenpox as children have made antibodies that protect them against this disease for the rest of their lives. But sometimes the virus reactivates and causes shingles.

Learn more about chickenpox