Chicken pox is a mild and common childhood illness caused by a virus called varicella zoster and is contagious. The incubation period is approximately 21 days and the person is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the spots appear until the spots have crusted over (usually 5-6 days after the spots appear).

Groups of people that are most at risk of serious problems if they catch chicken pox are newborn babies, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system; therefore it is important, if your child has chicken pox, to keep them at home while they are contagious.

Children should remain at home until all chicken pox spots have crusted over to avoid further spread of the illness.