What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is also known as Varicella. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This virus infection results in an itchy rash with spots that look like blisters and appear all over the body with fever and other flu-like symptoms. 

Chicken pox is very contagious and is one of the most common childhood infectious diseases. 

The illness usually lasts for about five days, where after the rash forms dry scabs and starts to heal. A child with chickenpox should not go to school until all the scabs have healed; usually after one week.