Primary varicella Zoster virus infection commonly occurs in childhood. It is rare in adults but is more serious specially in a pregnant woman. Only about 2% cases of varicella occur in adults but account for more than 25% of all VZV related deaths. VZV infection in pregnancy can lead to Varicella pneumonia that can be serious. The risk of fetal varicella syndrome is increased if infection occurs before 20 weeks. Therefore, timely diagnosis and proper management of varicella is all that is required.
Introduction Varicella Zoster virus can cause chicken pox or shingles. It is a DNA virus of herpes family and is highly contagious. The infection occurs through respiratory droplets and by direct contact of vesicular fluid. The primary infection is characterized by fever, malaise, pruritic rash that becomes maculo- papular, vesicular and finally crusting of vesicles. Presentation and…
