Dr.Ostrove, J.M. wrote a review about "Molecular Biology
of Varicella Zoster Virus" in journal "Advances in Virus
Research, vol 38" which mentioned:
The origin of the name "chickenpox" is uncertain.
It might have its roots in the French word "chiche"
,or "chickpea",related to the size and central
dimpling of the pock seen on the skin; another
possibility is that it is derivative of "gican",
which sounds like "chicken" and is athe Old English
term for "itch"(Scott-Wilson,1978).
Hope it will help.
William Y. Wen
Taiwan R.O.C
g78138201%vax9k.dnet at nchud1.nchu.edu.tw
