MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Chickenpox

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Chickenpox

Chickenpox, also called varicella, is an acute viral disease of young children. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include fever, general malaise, and a rash which begins with small reddish bumps (papules) that quickly fill with fluid to form small blisters (vesicles).

Update Date: 2/2/2007

Updated by: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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