ABOUT:

• Chickenpox is a viral infection and is highly contagious.
• It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
• Chickenpox primarily occurs in children under 10 years of age but can affect the adults as well.
• The disease can be severe in adults. It causes different of skin eruption described as ‘pleomorphic rash’, besides itching, tiredness and fever.

SYMPTOMS:

1. Rashes first appearing on the body then spreading to face, arms and legs
2. Itching
3. Sudden fever which can be mild to moderate
4. Back pain
5. Headache
6. Loss of appetite
7. Feeling of un-wellness (Malaise)

TREATMENT:

• Vaccination is the safest way to prevent chickenpox.
• It should be administered to the children less than 13 years.
• First dose is administered during 12-15 months and the second dose is in between 4-6 years.
• Vaccine is recommended by Indian Association of Pediatrics (IAP). However, it is not available in the public health distribution system.