Chicken Pox is a contagious viral infection caused by which virus?

• A. Human papillomavirus
• B. Hepatitis B virus
• C. Epstein-Barr virus
• D. Varicella-zoster virus

Answer: (D)

The main concept here is identifying the virus that causes chickenpox. Chickenpox is caused by Varicella-zoster virus, a herpesvirus. This pathogen is highly contagious and spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and direct contact with the fluid from the chickenpox blisters. After the initial infection, the virus can become latent in nerve tissue and may reactivate later in life as shingles (herpes zoster). The other viruses listed are responsible for different diseases: human papillomavirus causes warts and some cancers, hepatitis B virus causes liver disease, and Epstein-Barr virus often leads to mono and other infections. A varicella vaccine helps prevent chickenpox.