Varicella (chickenpox) is a viral infection that is caused by varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms generally appear 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus and can include:
- high fever
- loss of appetite
- headache
- generalized and pruritic rash
The rash will progress from macules to papules to vesicular lesions before crusting. It will usually take 1 week for the lesions to crust over.
Some individuals in high risk groups can go on to have more severe symptoms such as:
- pneumonia
- bleeding problems
- encephalitis
- sepsis
Those high risk groups include infants, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Individuals are contagious 2 days before blisters appear until all blisters have completed scabbed over.
Over the last 5 years between 300 and 600 cases of varicella are reported in Arizona each year.
Arizona 5 year median: 300 cases
Transmission
Transmission occurs when the virus is spread through the air by the cough or sneezes of an infected individual. Transmission can also occur by touching or breathing in the virus that can come from the blisters.
Transmission occurs when the virus is spread through the air by the cough or sneezes of an infected individual. Transmission can also occur by touching or breathing in the virus that can come from the blisters.
Incubation period is 10 to 21 days (average of 14 to 16 days).
Lab Tests & Specimen Info
Test*
|
Specimen
|
Culture
|
Vesicular fluid,
Ulcerated lesions, Vesicular scrapings, NP swabs, Throat swabs, Vaginal swabs |
PCR
|
CSF,
Whole blood, Swab |
DFA
|
Impression smears of tissues,
Lesion scrapings and swabs |
IgG/IgM
Serology |
Serum
|
Individuals should be excluded from school/child care until all blisters are scabbed over and dry and the individual is fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Public health will complete an epidemiological investigation for reports of death due to varicella infection.
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