DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Chickenpox (Varicella)

LOW SEVERITY

A highly contagious viral infection causing itchy blister-like rash, fever, and fatigue. Caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Usually mild in children but more severe in adults. Can reactivate later as shingles. Vaccine-preventable.

Global Affected

140.0M

Countries

20

Symptoms

Itchy rash (spots/blisters/scabs)
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
Malaise
Rash appears in crops
Rash on face/trunk first

Treatment Options

Supportive care
Calamine lotion
Antihistamines (itching)
Acetaminophen (fever)
Acyclovir (high-risk/complicated)
IV acyclovir (severe)
Isolation
Shingles vaccine (prevents reactivation)

Risk Factors

1Unvaccinated status
2Never had chickenpox
3Close contact with infected person
4Pregnancy (severe for mother/fetus)
5Newborns (maternal infection)
6Immunocompromised
7Adults (more severe disease)
8Exposure to shingles (reactivated virus)

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Clinical diagnosis (characteristic rash)
  • 2PCR (lesion swab)
  • 3Viral culture
  • 4Serology (IgM/IgG)
  • 5Tzanck smear

Prognosis

Excellent in children. Self-limiting, resolves in 1-2 weeks. More severe in adults, immunocompromised, and newborns. Complications: bacterial skin infection, pneumonia, encephalitis. Death rare. Lifelong immunity; virus latent (can reactivate as shingles).

Prevention

  • Varicella vaccination (2 doses)
  • Post-exposure vaccination (within 3-5 days)
  • Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin (high-risk)
  • Isolation until all lesions crusted
  • Avoid contact with immunocompromised
  • Shingles vaccine (for adults)

Research Status

Varicella vaccine highly effective. Universal childhood vaccination in many countries. Post-exposure prophylaxis available. Antivirals for high-risk cases. Shingles vaccine for adults (recombinant zoster vaccine). Research on maternal vaccination ongoing.

Affected Countries

IndiaPakistanIndonesiaPhilippinesNigeriaBangladeshEthiopiaDR CongoKenyaTanzaniaUgandaGhanaMMVietnamBrazilMexicoSouth AfricaRussiaUkraineBelarus

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox
  • https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/varicella
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chickenpox

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.