Chickenpox starts because of an infection with the varicella-zoster virus.
Here's a breakdown:
The Root Cause: Varicella-Zoster Virus
Chickenpox, a highly contagious disease, is not caused by bacteria or anything else, but by a specific virus known as the varicella-zoster virus. This virus is a member of the herpesvirus family.
Key Points About the Virus
- Specific Pathogen: The varicella-zoster virus is the only cause of chickenpox.
- Herpes Family Member: Being part of the herpesvirus family, this virus can remain dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles.
- Contagious Nature: The virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread by direct contact with the fluid from chickenpox blisters.
Transmission
The virus gets into the body typically through the following means:
- Inhaling infected droplets: When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release tiny droplets containing the virus into the air, which can then be inhaled by someone nearby.
- Direct contact: Touching the fluid from the chickenpox blisters of an infected person can also transmit the virus.
From Infection to Symptoms
Once the virus enters the body, it begins to multiply. This incubation period (when you are infected but don't have symptoms) is typically between 10 to 21 days. After this, symptoms such as fever, tiredness, and the characteristic itchy rash appear.
The Chickenpox Rash
The rash develops in stages:
- Red spots: Initially, small red spots appear on the skin.
- Blisters: These spots then develop into fluid-filled blisters.
- Crusting: Finally, the blisters break and crust over.
The rash is typically itchy, and the cycle of spots, blisters, and crusting can occur in waves over several days.
Why is Chickenpox So Common in Childhood?
Chickenpox is most common in childhood because:
- Children often have more close contact with each other, facilitating the spread of the virus.
- Many children haven't built immunity to the virus.
Understanding the Link: Chickenpox and Shingles
It is important to know that the varicella-zoster virus is also responsible for shingles. When you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells of the body. It can reactivate later in life, typically when the immune system is weakened, causing shingles. The only way you can develop shingles is if you've previously had chickenpox.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Cause | Varicella-zoster virus |
| Virus Type | Herpesvirus family |
| Transmission | Air droplets (coughing, sneezing), direct contact with blister fluid |
| Incubation | 10-21 days |
| Symptoms | Fever, tiredness, itchy rash (red spots, blisters, crusting) |
| Related Disease | Shingles (caused by reactivation of the same virus) |
