Private Paediatrics Shropshire

Varicella Zoster (Chicken Pox)

Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease, caused by the virus Varicella Zoster. It mainly affects children, and vaccination currently is only offered to patients at high risk on the NHS.

What is ChickenPox?

Chickenpox virus is spread from person to person and often goes round classes and schools- transmitted perosn to person
The virus is most infectious 1-2 days before the rash occurs and for around 5 days after (or until the rash crusts over).
Chickenpox has an incubation period of 2-3 weeks.
The child has to be isolated at home and therefore it is difficult for working parents.

Symptoms

vesicular rash - which is very itchy and can be widespread affecting the face, trunk, arms and legs.
fever - although this is for the first few days only

Complications - rare in children

Secondary bacterial infection of the skin - local or systemic. Group A streptococcal infection
Neurological complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain).

Other rarer complications - more likely if immunocompromised.

Pneumonia
Encephalitis
Chickenpox in Pregnancy is serious disease for the mother and baby.

Prevention

As the disease is very contagious, if you are vulnerable to severe infection or have never had Chickenpox, then vaccination should be considered.

Chickenpox Vaccine (VariVax) - please click for more information