Chickenpox (Varicella)

Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute communicable disease It affects mainly children, but can occur in any age group One attack gives lifelong immunity It occurs throughout the world It causes rash similar( )to Smallpox

Epidemiological features

Agent Varicella zoster virus Source of infection A case of Chickenpox or Herpes Zoster Infectious material pharyngeal secretions and lesions( )on the skin and mucosa Mode of infection droplet infection

Chickenpox lesions on the back

A chickenpox lesion in the mouth

Epidemiological features

Period of infectivity 1-2 days before the onset( )of rash and 4-5 days after the onset of rash. Scabs( ) are not infective. The virus can remain latent( )in the body for years and cause Herpes Zoster Incubation period 1-2 weeks Sometimes complications like encephalitis can occur

Prevention and Control

Primary prevention

Avoid close contact with the patient Vaccination to prevent Chickenpox

Early diagnosis and treatment Since there are no antiviral drugs give supportive or symptomatic therapy

Secondary prevention

Summary

Chickenpox is an acute viral disease of children One attack gives lifelong immunity. The virus can remain in the body for years and cause Herpes Zoster Spread through droplet infection Prevention is by avoiding close contact with patients A vaccine is available to prevent Chickenpox