Varicella [chickenpox] B01-
Clinical Information
- Chickenpox is a contagious childhood disorder caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It spreads through respiratory secretions and direct contact with the contents of chickenpox blisters. Symptoms include a vesicular skin rash, fever, headache, and muscle aches. The itchy, fluid-filled vesicles appear 10-21 days after exposure and last for 3-4 days. This is followed by another 3-4 days of malaise before recovery. A person with chickenpox is contagious from 1-2 days before the blisters appear until all blisters have crusted over. Generally, healthy individuals recover without complications.
- A highly contagious infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (herpesvirus 3, human). It usually affects children, is spread by direct contact or respiratory route via droplet nuclei, and is characterized by the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes of successive crops of typical pruritic vesicular lesions that are easily broken and become scabbed. Chickenpox is relatively benign in children, but may be complicated by pneumonia and encephalitis in adults. (from Dorland, 27th ed)
- Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella virus. It primarily affects children under 15, but older children and adults can also contract it. The virus spreads very easily from person to person. Symptoms include an itchy rash, fever, and headache. The rash appears as blisters, usually on the face, scalp, or trunk. Although the disease is typically mild and lasts 5 to 10 days, it can sometimes lead to serious complications. Adults and older children generally experience more severe symptoms.
- It is important not to give aspirin to anyone with chickenpox, as this can lead to Reye syndrome. Once you contract chickenpox, the virus usually remains in your body for life. While you are unlikely to get chickenpox again, the virus can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. A chickenpox vaccine can prevent most cases of the disease or make it less severe if you do get it. This information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Highly contagious infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (herpesvirus 3); usually affects children, is spread by direct contact or respiratory route via droplet nuclei, and is characterized by the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes of successive crops of typical pruritic vesicular lesions that are easily broken and become scabbed; chickenpox is relatively benign in children, but may be complicated by pneumonia and encephalitis in adults.
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