Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox in the adult population.

The common "childhood diseases" of measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox do appear in the adult population. It is important for health care practitioners to recognize these diseases in adults and be alert for possible complications which may be more serious than those found in children. This article discusses epidemiology, transmission, signs and symptoms, treatment, possible complications, confirmatory tests and immunization recommendations for each of the four diseases.