CHICKENPOXVaricella Zoster Virus

-Rolando G. Maliwat

ChickenpoxChickenpox (also known as varicella) is a

common illness that causes an itchy rash and red spots or blisters all over the body.

Shingles- (also known as herpes zoster) is a reactivation of the varicella virus, often the result of immunosuppression.

Etiologic AgentIts etiologic agent is Varicella-zoster virus

(VZV); a herpes virus (Family Herpesviridae) that is also known as human herpesvirus 3; a DNA virus.

EpidemiologyA disease that is endemic to all countries

worldwide. Varicella has a prevalence that is stable from generation to generation

In temperate countries, chickenpox is primarily a disease of children, with most cases occurring during the winter and spring, most likely due to school contact

It is one of the classic diseases of childhood, with the highest prevalence in the 4-10 year old age group

Continue….Varicella is highly communicable, with an

infection rate of 90% in close contactsIn the tropics, chickenpox often occurs in

older people and may cause more serious disease. In the adults the pock marks are darker and the scars more prominent than in children

SymptomsRash that turn into itchy, fluid-filled

blisters that eventually turn into scabsHigh feverTirednessLoss of appetite

ComplicationsPneumoniaSecondary bacterial infectionHemorrhagic complicationsEncephalitisReye’s syndrome- a severe

encephalomyelitis with liver damage may follow clinical chickenpox if aspirin is given to younger children than 16 years of age.

Reservoir and Mode of Transmission Infected humans. Transmission is person

to person by direct contact, droplet or airborne spread of vesicle fluid or secretions of the respiratory system of persons with chickenpox.

Treatment and PreventionUncomplicated varicella is usually treated

only with preventive measures.Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine

used for pruritusDrying agents such as calamine or colloidal

oatmeal baths, are soothing and prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Acyclovir has also been shown to prevent viral dissemination in immunosuppressed children

Continue….AcetaminophenAs a protective measure, patients are

usually required to stay at home while they are infectious to avoid spreading disease to others.

Also sufferers are frequently asked to cut their nails short to wear gloves to prevent scratching and to minimize the risk of secondary infections

Staying in a cold surrounding can help in easing the itching as heat and sweat makes it worse.