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Chickenpox

InfectiousVaricella-zoster virus17th century (described)Airborne, contact
TypeInfectious
CauseVaricella-zoster virus
First Known17th century (described)
TransmissionAirborne, contact

About Chickenpox

Causes the iconic itchy blister rash. The virus stays dormant in nerves and can reactivate decades later as shingles. A vaccine introduced in 1995 dropped US cases by over 90%. Before vaccination nearly every child caught it.

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