Chicken pox started and has been around for around 70 million years.
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of chickenpox and shingles.
The geographic distribution of VZV clades was taken as evidence that VZV migrated out of Africa with human populations.
We show that extant VZV strains most likely originated in Europe and not in Africa.
The chicken pox red spots which are about 1/5 inch to 2/5 inch (5mm to 10mm) wide were once thought to look like chickpeas (garbanzo beans).
Another theory is that the rash of chickenpox looks like the peck marks caused by a chicken.
But, in case you were wondering, chickenpox can't be caught from a chicken!
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV).
However, the first description of chickenpox was provided by Giovanni Filippo in the 16th century.
William Heberden demonstrated in 1767 that smallpox was different from chickenpox.
Chicken Pox is a highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin.
Chickenpox is highly contagious to those who haven't had the disease or been vaccinated against it.
The most characteristic symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin.
Chickenpox can be prevented by a vaccine.
Treatment for chickenpox usually involves relieving symptoms although high-risk groups may receive antiviral medications.
The symptoms of chicken pox include.
Fever.
Loss of appetite.
Headache.
Tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise)
Red itchy spots on the skin.
To prevent spreading the infection, keep children off nursery or school until all their spots have crusted over.
Chickenpox is infectious from 1 to 2 days before the rash starts, until all the blisters have crusted over (usually 5 to 6 days after the start of the rash).