AEMCA Practice Exam

Which virus is responsible for chicken pox?

1. Influenza virus

2. Varicella-zoster virus

3. Measles virus

4. Mumps virus

The correct answer is: Varicella-zoster virus

The Varicella-zoster virus is the causative agent of chicken pox. This virus is a member of the herpesvirus family and is specifically known for its role in causing this highly contagious disease, which is characterized by an itchy, blister-like rash, fever, fatigue, and other symptoms. Following an initial infection, the virus can remain dormant in the body and may reactivate later in life, leading to shingles, another condition associated with the same virus. In contrast, the influenza virus is responsible for the flu, which produces respiratory symptoms rather than a vesicular rash. The measles virus and the mumps virus are also different; measles causes a distinctive rash and symptoms like cough and conjunctivitis, while mumps typically presents with swollen salivary glands. Understanding these distinctions highlights the specific role of the Varicella-zoster virus in the context of chicken pox.