Common childhood illness. Caused by a virus and results in a rash of blisters which are very itchy. It can occur in adults as well
Causes
- Caused by herpes virus- Varicella zoster virus
- Highly contagious
- Easily passed between members of families and school classmates through airborne particles, droplets in exhaled air and fluid from the blisters or sores
- Can be transmitted indirectly by contact with articles of clothing and other items exposed to fresh drainage from open sores
Signs and symptoms
- Symptoms tend to appear 14 to 16 days after initial exposure but can occur any time from 10 days up to 21 days after contact with the virus
- First symptoms- mild fever, moderate fever, general unwell feeling
- The rash of chickenpox develops in crops with raised red spots arriving first, progressing to blisters that burst, creating open sores, before crusting over.
- Rash first appear on the back and chest then spreads to face, neck, arms and legs. New spots can continue to appear for up to 5 days
Preventing chickenpox
Vaccines are available for immunization of children over 9 months of age and adults.