Chickenpox/varicella is an acute infectious disease caused by the Herpes Varicella-zoster virus (a cause of varicella and zoster disease) of the herpesvirus group. The disease is extremely easily transmitted. If one member of the family is ill, other family members, who have not had varicella before, will be likely affected as well.

Chickenpox is more common among pre-school children. The person who has gotten themselves chickenpox, has already gotten infected 1-2 days before the disease itself breaks out, the infection remains for 5-6 days after the last blister has been formed.

Varicella shakes 7-21 days after infection. Small, itchy papules, red dots, which become blistering, develop on the skin. The rash usually begins on the head and neck area, from the hair line. There may be a fever, a headache or just a general weak feeling during the rash. After being ill, life-long immunity usually occurs. Varicella may be complicated by skin infection because the blisters are itchy and the bacteria will start to grow on scratched and damaged skin. Pneumonia and otitis media are also potentially resistant.

Vaccination with Varicella Vaccine is also possible to prevent the disease.

For a family doctor and / or family nurse, contact:

• to report a disease

also as:

• fever stays high, and do not respond to medicines
• there is skin infection
• there is an earache
• there is a shortness of breath