Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a contagious disease caused by infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV). More than 90% of unvaccinated people become infected during their lifetime. It primarily affects children under 10 years. Although a benign and self-limiting disease, it can be life threatening in immunocompromised children. Chickenpox is highly contagious and spread through droplet infections.
Chickenpox is found both in endemic and epidemic forms in India. In healthy children, chickenpox is relatively mild and seldom lasts for more than 2 weeks. But sometimes, it may be associated with complications including bacterial superinfection, pneumonia, encephalitis, cerebellitis, hepatitis, arthritis and Reye syndrome. Treatment Treatment approaches include antiviral therapy, supportive measures, administration of varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG), and management of…
