Ready Reference Of CHICKEN POX (Varicella)

[CilmiSabca]

Chicken Pox (Varicella)
SEASON:
Late winter and spring in temperate zones.
SUSCEPTIBILITY:
Most people are infected as children.
SYMPTOMS:
Slight fever; malaise; loss of appetite; severe itching.
RASH:
Flat red spots turn into pimples, then blister, crust and scab; new crops continue to develop for 3 to 4 days, mostly on the body.
CAUSE:
Varicella-zoster virus.
TRANSMISSION:
Person-to-person via droplets, and airborne; very contagious from 1 to 2 days before onset until all lesions are scabbed.
INCUBATION:
Usually 14 to 16 days, but can be as short as 11 or as long as 20.
DURATION:
First vesicles crust in 6 to 8 hours, scab in 24 to 48; scabs last 5 to 20 days.
CALL THE DOCTOR to confirm diagnosis; CALL IMMEDIATELY for high-risk children; CALL AGAIN if symptoms of encephalitis appear.
TREATMENT:
For itching and fever ask the doctor.
DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN.
PREVENTION:
Avoidance of exposure in infants; VZV immunization of those over 12 months.
RECURRENCE:
Extremely rare; but dormant virus may flare up as shingles later in life.
COMPLICATIONS:
Rarely, encephalitis; anyone on steroids or those who are immunocompromised can become seriously ill. IN EXPECTANT MOTHERS, possible risk to fetus; contact physician if exposure occurs.