Which of the following individuals is likely in the incubation period of chickenpox?

• A. A person who has been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus but is not yet showing any symptoms.
• B. A person who has never been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus.
• C. A person who has recovered from chickenpox and has no symptoms.
• D. A person with a widespread itchy rash and fever.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'incubation period.' The incubation period refers to the time between exposure to a pathogen (such as a virus) and the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease. During this period, the individual is infected but does not show any outward signs of illness.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided. The correct answer will describe a person who has been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus (the virus responsible for chickenpox) but has not yet developed symptoms such as a rash or fever.
3. Step 3: Eliminate options that do not fit the definition of the incubation period. For example, a person who has never been exposed to the virus cannot be in the incubation period, and a person who has recovered from chickenpox is no longer in the incubation period.
4. Step 4: Consider the option describing a person with a widespread itchy rash and fever. These are symptoms of chickenpox, meaning this individual is in the symptomatic phase, not the incubation period.
5. Step 5: Identify the correct option: A person who has been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus but is not yet showing any symptoms. This matches the definition of the incubation period.