Is chickenpox contagious?

Chickenpox is a contagious disease.

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is primarily transmitted through airborne droplets and direct contact. The varicella virus can also spread through direct contact with the skin lesions or their blister fluid of a person with chickenpox. This means that if a person with chickenpox does not properly cover their blisters or wash their hands, others who come into contact with these areas or fluids may also become infected. Patients are contagious from the early stages of illness until the rash has crusted over, with the highest infectivity occurring one to two days before the rash appears and up to five days after its onset. The primary susceptible population is children, but adults who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it may also contract the infection.

Typical symptoms of chickenpox include fever, general discomfort, and a characteristic skin rash that begins on the trunk and gradually spreads to the face and limbs, eventually forming fluid-filled blisters. Therefore, appropriate isolation of individuals with chickenpox is necessary to prevent contact with susceptible individuals and reduce the risk of virus transmission. At the same time, vaccination against chickenpox should be implemented to prevent infection.

Therefore, to prevent the spread of chickenpox, it is important to maintain personal hygiene, avoid close contact with individuals who have chickenpox, and receive vaccination.