US Medical Term · conditions
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Varicela
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Chickenpox (Varicella) |
| Spanish (Español) | Varicela |
| Chinese (中文) | 水痘 |
| Korean (한국어) | 수두 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thủy đậu |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Bulutong-tubig (Varicella) |
| Portuguese (Português) | Catapora (Varicela) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | อีสุกอีใส |
| Japanese (日本語) | 水痘（みずぼうそう） |
What it means
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy blister-like rash that appears first on the chest, back, and face and then spreads over the body. Other symptoms include fever, tiredness, and loss of appetite. The rash goes through stages of red spots, fluid-filled blisters, and then crusting. Most children recover without serious problems, but adults and people with weakened immune systems can experience severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. The varicella vaccine effectively prevents chickenpox. Antiviral medication may be prescribed for high-risk patients. After infection, the virus stays dormant and can reactivate later in life as shingles.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My child has an itchy rash with blisters and I think it may be chickenpox.
Mi hijo tiene un sarpullido con ampollas que pica y creo que podría ser varicela.
Is my child contagious and when can they return to school after chickenpox?
¿Mi hijo es contagioso y cuándo puede regresar a la escuela después de la varicela?
Should my unvaccinated family members receive the chickenpox vaccine now?
¿Mis familiares no vacunados deben recibir la vacuna contra la varicela ahora?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
B01 Varicella [chickenpox]Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026