CHICKENPOX

Chickenpox is a viral disease characterized by red itching rash and fever.

CAUSATIVE AGENT: Varicella- Zoster virus.

INCUBATION: 14- 16 days after exposure to the virus/ herpes zoster virus.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

1.       Airborne transmission (inhalation of infected respiratory droplets)

2.       Direct contact with fluids from infected person.

HIGH RISK GROUPS

1.       Immunocompromised people

2.       Premature infants

3.       Pregnant woman

4.       Infants less than one year of age.

5.       Newborns of mothers with varicella.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

1.       Exposure to varicella zoster virus initiates the host immunoglobulins G, M and A antibodies.

2.       The antibodies persist for life and confer immunity.

3.       A person usually has one episode of chickenpox and the virus will lie dormant in the body and cause different kinds of skin conditions like shingles.

CLINICAL FEATURES

1.       Exanthema (eruption)

2.       Nausea, myalgia, anorexia and Headache (usually in adults and adolescents)

3.       General malaise

4.       Fever

5.       Development of fluid filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs.

6.       Sore throat

7.       Intense pruritus

(Pruritus is an unpleasant sensation of the skin that provokes the urge to scratch)

DIAGNOSIS

1.       Physical examination

2.       History of exposure to an infected person.

3.       Testing scrapping from vesicles.

MANAGEMENTS

1.       Antibiotics

2.       Antihistamines (this will help release itching)

3.       Maintain personal hygiene.

4.       Take in more vitamin C containing foods and fruits.

COMPLICATIONS

1.       Secondary bacterial infection

2.       Central Nervous System complications

3.       Disseminated primary varicella infection.

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