Definition: Chickenpox is the commonly used name for a virus called varicella. This virus causes red, raised, itchy spots mainly on the torso. It commonly affects children but can affect adults as well. The virus has an incubation period of 2-3 weeks, meaning symptoms appear 2-3 weeks after exposure. The disease then lasts another 2-3 weeks. There is a vaccine currently available for varicella.
Also Known As: Varicella, Varicella zoster
Examples: Half of the kindergarten class was absent today because the chickenpox is going around.
