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WordNet
chickenpox

n. an acute contagious disease caused by herpes varicella zoster virus; causes a rash of vesicles on the face and body [syn: varicella]

Wikipedia
Chickenpox (South Park)

"Chickenpox" is the tenth episode of the second season of the animated television series South Park, and the 23rd episode of the series overall. "Chickenpox" originally aired in the United States on August 26, 1998 on Comedy Central.

Chickenpox (band)

Chickenpox was a Swedish ska band signed to Burning Heart Records. They existed from 1994 until they broke up in 2002.

Chickenpox (disambiguation)

Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness caused by primary infection with varicella zoster virus.

Chickenpox may also refer to:

  • Chickenpox (South Park), an episode of the American television series South Park
  • Chickenpox (band), a Swedish ska band
  • "Chicken Pox", a song from the album Melting Pot by Booker T. & the MGs
  • "Chicken Pox", a song from the album Let Me Introduce My Friends by the band I'm From Barcelona
Chickenpox

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). The disease results in a characteristic skin rash that forms small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab over. It usually starts on the chest, back, and face then spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms may include fever, feeling tired, and headaches. Symptoms usually last five to ten days. Complications may occasionally include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, or bacterial infections of the skin among others. The disease is often more severe in adults than children. Symptoms begin ten to twenty-one days after exposure to the virus.

Chickenpox is an airborne disease which spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. It may be spread from one to two days before the rash appears until all lesions have crusted over. It may also spread through contact with the blisters. Those with shingles may spread chickenpox to those who are not immune through contact with the blisters. The disease can usually be diagnosed based on the presenting symptom; however, in unusual cases may be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of the blister fluid or scabs. Testing for antibodies may be done to determine if a person is or is not immune. People usually only get the disease once. Although reinfections by the virus occur, these reinfections usually do not cause any symptoms.

The varicella vaccine has resulted in a decrease in the number of cases and complications from the disease. It protects about 70 to 90 percent of people from disease with a greater benefit for severe disease. Routine immunization of children is recommended in many countries. Immunization within three days of exposure may improve outcomes in children. Treatment of those infected may include calamine lotion to help with itching, keeping the fingernails short to decrease injury from scratching, and the use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) to help with fevers. For those at increased risk of complications antiviral medication such as aciclovir are recommended.

Chickenpox occurs in all parts of the world. As of 2013 140 million cases of chickenpox and herpes zoster occurred. Before routine immunization the number of cases occurring each year was similar to the number of people born. Since immunization the number of infections in the United States has decreased nearly 90%. In 2013 chickenpox resulted in 7,000 deaths globally – down from 8,900 in 1990. Death occurs in about 1 per 60,000 cases. Chickenpox was not separated from smallpox until the late 19th century. In 1888 its connection to shingles was determined. The first documented use of the term chicken pox was in 1658. Various explanations have been suggested for the use of "chicken" in the name, one being the relative mildness of the disease.

Usage examples of "chickenpox".

This was the third copy a letter sent to the ports where the Surprise might touch on her homeward voyage it spoke of the progress of Jack s plantations, the slow indeterminate stagnation of the legal proceedings, and the chickenpox, then at it's height, and at the bottom of the page a hurried postscript said that Sophie would entrust this to Mr Illegible, who was bound for the West Indies and who had been so kind as to call on her.

We haven’t had a man catch the midday—excepting race days, of course—since young Simpkins from the garage got sent home with chickenpox last summer.

Are you familiar with their current efforts to do the same for polio, chickenpox, diphtheria and other diseases?