Chickenpox is also referred to as Varicella. A very contagious childhood illness caused by the herpes zoster virus. It can affect all ages. It usually forms a mild disease in children. However, if the immune system is impaired, such as might occur with AIDS, the disease may run a more fulminant course.
Causes of Chickenpox
Chickenpox is caused by the herpes zoster virus. The infection is spread by air or contact with a skin eruption on an infected person. Incubation after exposure is 7 to 21 days. A newborn has immunity initially but it diminishes in 4 to 12 months. People with impaired immunity may develop more serious disease or more commonly may develop complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Chickenpox
Symptoms are mild in children, more severe in adults They include fever, abdominal pain, headache and a general ill feeling that lasts 1-2 days. Skin eruptions appear in crops anywhere over the body. They rapidly blister and within 24 hours usually form scabs. New crops of blisters may develop every 3-4 days. Final skin rash usually occurs in 10-14 days. The rash occurs the least on the arms and legs. Pneumonia can occur and rarely, involvement of the brain can occur. These can lead to shortness of breath, cough and productive sputum for pulmonary complications and headache, seizures and neurological symptoms, if the brain is involved. Chickenpox in early pregnancy can result in fetal abnormalities.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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