An acute contagious disease caused by herpes varicella zoster virus; causes a rash of vesicles on the face and body; SYN. varicella.
Or varicella; Common, usually mild disease, caused by a virus of the herpes group and transmitted by airborne droplets. Chickenpox chiefly attacks children under the age of ten. The incubation period is two to three weeks. One attack normally gives immunity for life.
The temperature rises and spots (later inflamed blisters) develop on the torso, then on the face and limbs. The sufferer recovers within a week, but remains infectious until the last scab disappears. chicken pox, chicken-pox