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HS Health Micro Research Report

Infectious Disease: Chickenpox Pathogen: Varicella-zoster Virus How pathogen spreads: It is an airborne disease, which spreads easily through coughing or sneezing of ill individuals or through direct contact with secretions from the rash. A person with chickenpox is infectious one to two days before the rash appears. Immunocompromised patients are contagious during the entire period as new lesions keep appearing. Crusted lesions are not contagious. Symptoms: The early symptoms in adolescents and adults are nausea, loss of appetite, aching muscles, and headache. This is followed by the characteristic rash and/or oral sores, malaise, and a low-grade fever that signal the presence of the disease. The rash begins as small red dots on the face, scalp, torso and upper arms and legs; progressing over 1012 hours to small bumps, blisters and pustules; followed by umbilication and the formation of scabs. At the blister stage, intense itching is usually present. Treatment: There is no actual cure of the condition. Treatments are available for relieving the symptoms while the immune system suppresses the virus. Patients are also usually required to stay home to avoid spreading of disease to others. Also they are asked to cut their nails or wear gloves to prevent scratching and lower risk of secondary infections. References: 1.Wikipedia 2. Public Health Agency of Canada
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