Varicella
Varicella Vaccine Fact Sheet (PDF
40 KB) Español (PDF 189 KB)
Varicella (chickenpox) is a rash illness caused by the
varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is easily spread from person to person. It
can be spread by direct contact of respiratory secretions from an infected
person, or by contact with fluid from the rash.
Varicella is characterized by an itchy rash, which forms fluid-filled
lesions called "vesicles." Before the rash appears, people will often have
a fever and a runny nose and sore throat. The rash usually starts on the trunk and
spreads to the arms, legs, and face. As new lesions form, previous ones will
crust over.
Before the vaccine was available, most people in the U.S. got chickenpox
during childhood. It is usually a mild disease in healthy children; however,
before the vaccine was developed, about 11,000 people were hospitalized and
about 100 people died every year in the U.S. from varicella. Even children
with average cases are usually very uncomfortable and need to be kept out of
day care or school for a week or more.
Infection during pregnancy can occasionally cause a condition called
congenital varicella syndrome in newborns, which is characterized by problems with
limb development and scarring of the skin of the limb. Other complications
include central nervous system and eye abnormalities.
After a person has varicella, the virus stays in the body. Years later, about 10% to 20% develop a painful condition called shingles (zoster). Most
cases occur in people older than 50 years of age, and the risk for
developing shingles increases with age.
Symptoms of shingles are:
- Extreme pain
- Itching
- Blisters
- Loss of feeling along a nerve
People who are have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it
can develop the disease if they come in contact with fluid from blisters
occurring with shingles.
For more information:
Varicella: Vaccine |
Disease | Safety |
Questions & Answers
Please Note: All information is general
in nature and should
not substitute seeking proper medical
attention.
Citation: This information has been
compiled from resources provided by the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC). For more information on the CDC, visit their
website at:
www.cdc.gov/.
Immunization Program
Boulder County Public Health
3450 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304, (303) 413-7500
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