CHICKENPOX (VARICELLA)
Brief Definition:
is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease caused by the initial infection with varicella zoster virus
(VZV), a member of the herpesvirus family. The disease results in a characteristic skin rash that forms
small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab over. It usually starts on the chest, back, and face. It then
spreads to the rest of the body.
Etiology (Causative Agent): Mode of Transmission:
● Varicella zoster virus ● Chickenpox is an airborne disease which
easily spreads via human-to-human
transmission, typically through the coughs
and sneezes of an infected person.
Incubation Period: Communicability Period:
● The incubation period of Chickenpox is ● It may be spread from one to two days
before the rash appears until all lesions
about 10–21 days. have crusted over.
Assessment (signs & symptoms): Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests:
● Rash, tiny and itchy which develops to ● Blood Test - Confirmation of the diagnosis.
blisters Can be used to identify a response to acute
infection (IgM) or previous infection and
● Fever
subsequent immunity (IgG)
● Headache ● Tzanck smear - Vesicular fluid
● Body malaise examination for confirmation of the
● Loss of appetite diagnosis.
● Ultrasound - Prenatal diagnosis of fetal
varicella infection.
Nursing Management: Medical Treatment:
● Assessment and Monitoring ● Antiviral therapy: Medications like
● Hydration Management acyclovir or valacyclovir given within 24
● Fever Management hours of rash onset in high-risk populations
● Isolation and Infection Control by the AAP.
● Follow-Up and Referral ● Varicella zoster immune globulin: FDA-
approved immunoglobulin, like VariZIG,
reducing complications and mortality if
administered within 10 days (ideally 4 days)
of chickenpox exposure to high-risk
individuals.
● Antibiotic therapy: Immediate antibiotics
given upon suspicion of bacterial infection
until culture results.
Prevention: Complications:
● Isolation of affected individuals to prevent ● Bacterial skin infections, such as cellulitis.
spread.
● Pneumonia, particularly in adults or
● Encouragement of respiratory hygiene to immunocompromised individuals.
minimize transmission via respiratory
● Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain.
droplets.
● Reye's syndrome, a rare but severe
● Promotion of regular hand washing to
complication affecting the liver and brain,
reduce direct contact transmission.
particularly in children taking aspirin during
● Ensuring that surfaces are regularly chickenpox.
disinfected, particularly with chlorine bleach.
● Secondary bacterial infections commonly
● Maintain good ventilation to reduce aerosol affecting the soft tissues or joints.
transmission. ● Bleeding problems, such as
thrombocytopenia.
● Implementing measures to reduce the risk
of drying, such as humidifying indoor ● Sepsis, a life-threatening response to
environments. infection affecting the entire body.
● Fetal varicella infection.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
(2021). Chickenpox (Varicella) - For Healthcare
Professionals. Retrieved from:
https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/hcp/index.html
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2018).
Varicella-Zoster Infections. In: Kimberlin DW, Brady
MT, Jackson MA, Long SS, eds. Red Book®: 2018
Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases.
31st ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of
Pediatrics; 2018: 866-879.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2014). Varicella
vaccines: WHO position paper – June 2014. Weekly
Epidemiological Record, 89(25), 265-287. Retrieved
from: https://www.who.int/wer/2014/wer8925.pdf?
ua=1
