Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpesvirus family. It spreads easily and covers the body in hundreds of itchy, blister-like spots, often with fever. While most children recovered, some developed pneumonia or brain infections that could be life-threatening. Before vaccination, nearly every child caught chickenpox, and schools often held “chickenpox parties” so children could “get it over with.” Today, two doses of vaccine prevent most cases. Hospitalizations and deaths have dropped by more than 90 percent, and many children grow up never experiencing the illness at all.

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