• Chickenpox (varicella) is a disease caused by a virus. Most people with chickenpox get very itchy blisters and sores all over their body.

• Chickenpox is spread person-to-person through the air. It is very contagious.

• Chickenpox can be a serious disease, especially in babies and adults. The disease can cause serious skin infections, pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. Chickenpox is especially dangerous for people whose immune systems are weak because of illness or medications.

• Chickenpox is still infecting people in the U.S. and the rest of the world. It is extremely contagious and can be spread by an infected person before they even know they’re sick.

• Vaccination is the most effective step you can take to be protected from this serious disease.