Click on the hamburger icon (three lines in the top right corner of the video) to watch other videos in the playlist.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox (also called varicella) is a contagious disease that causes fever, tiredness and a blistering, red and itchy rash. Contagious means a disease can spread from one person to another.

How long is my child contagious?

Chickenpox is contagious until your child’s fever is gone and the rash has formed scabs. Most children who have chickenpox will not have the disease again later in life.

There is a time called the incubation period when a person might be contagious, but does not have symptoms yet. The incubation period for chickenpox is 1-3 weeks.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

The symptoms of chickenpox include:

  • Fever
  • Itchy, red and blistered rash (usually first appears on the chest or back, then on the arms, legs and face)