Chickenpox / Varicella

Chickenpox, or varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy, blister-like rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and can affect people of all ages, though it was once a very common childhood illness. The virus can be serious, and sometimes life-threatening, in infants, adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems

Transmission

Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person.

Respiratory droplets: The virus can be transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Direct contact: It can spread through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters of an infected person.

Contagious period: An infected person is contagious for 1–2 days before the rash appears and remains contagious until all the blisters have crusted over, which typically takes 5–7 days after the rash begins