Final answer:
The varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox, which is a mild condition in children but can be severe in adults and pregnant women. It can also reactivate later in life to cause shingles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The varicella zoster virus is recognized for causing chickenpox in individuals. This virus is a part of the herpesvirus family and has the potential to lead to a number of complications. While the infection is often mild and self-limiting in children, it can be much more severe in adults, possibly even resulting in pneumonia or birth defects if pregnant women are infected. Once someone has been infected with chickenpox, the virus remains in the body in a latent state and can later reactivate to cause shingles, which is characterized by a painful rash.
In regard to the choices provided in the question:
- Mumps is caused by the mumps virus.
- Measles is caused by the measles virus.
- Rubella is caused by the rubella virus.
- Chickenpox is specifically caused by the varicella zoster virus.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is d. Chickenpox.