Causes of Chickenpox

Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

It belongs to the family of herpes viruses. Humans are the only carriers of this virus. The virus is present in the body fluids and in the lesions of skin and mucosa.

Mode of transmission

Airborne droplets that are sprayed when the affected person coughs or sneezes
Direct contact with discharge from the blisters of the skin
Coming in contact with herpes or shingles infection

Once the virus enters the body it rests and reproduces in the lymph nodes of the body for about 3 to 4 days before it travels to the blood to infect the spleen and liver. It finally rests in the nerve roots near the spinal cord till it is activated. No trigger maybe needed for its activation, but sometimes it waits for events like stress or diminished immunity before it attacks.

Published on Mar 04, 2016
Last Updated on Mar 04, 2016

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Dr. Trupti Shirole. (2016, March 04). Causes of Chickenpox. Medindia. Retrieved on May 20, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/what-are-the-causes-of-chickenpox.htm.
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Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Causes of Chickenpox". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/what-are-the-causes-of-chickenpox.htm. (accessed May 20, 2022).
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Dr. Trupti Shirole. 2021. Causes of Chickenpox. Medindia, viewed May 20, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/what-are-the-causes-of-chickenpox.htm.

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SWAPNIL_BABIN

I am 39 years old. I am also diabetic. I took chicken pox vaccine on 27 December 2012, the day on which I got the information that my sister had been diagnosed with chicken pox and she came to our house in the evening on that day. I had been exposed since she was staying in our house from December 27. I was diagnosed with chicken pox on 13 January, 2013 with very mild intensity possibly due to the first dosage of the vaccine. However, I request health experts/doctors to suggest whether I NEED TO TAKE THE SECOND DOSAGE OF THE VACCINE which is supposed to be taken after 4 weeks of the first dosage.

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skarf

if a person at the age of 47 gets chicken pox will she have symtoms like being angry at other people

aslbkhazra

How many days a patien of 22 yrs.old to be isolated from others if blisters found from 06/12/2012 when he is taking Zovirax 800 mg tablet 5no./day since 08/12/2012.

ZAZAH

My daughter has caught chicken pox and I am in contact with her as well as with my 76 years old father who is receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy and his immunity is very critical. Is there any possibility of me transferring the disease to my father, knowing that he did not get chicken pox ever.

tomjohn

how many days need chickenpox cure? and if i use antibiotic tablet..any chance to come 2nd time?