Chicken pox ,also called varicella ,is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella – zooster virus .This virus is a member of the herpes virus family ,and humans are the only known natural hosts for it.After someone recovers from chicken pox ,the virus becomes inactive in the nerve cells .It can reactivate later ,leading to a painful conditions known as shingles (herpes zoster).The virus spreads when someone with chicken pox cough or sneezes ,releasing infected droplets into the air ,and through direct contact with the fluid from the chicken pox blisters .If a person is susceptible (meaning they haven’t had chicken pox or been vaccinated),they are likely to contract the virus of exposed.Chicken pox tends to occur more often during winter and spring or cool and dry months ,with outbreaks occuring every 2-5 years .
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
*Itchy rash that turns into small -fluid filled blisters .It starts on the scalp and face before spreading to the trunk and limbs.
*Fevers
*Loss of appetite
*General discomfort (malaise )
The rash develops over about five to seven days progressing from flat spots (macules )to raised bumps (papules)then itchy blisters (vesicles)and finally to scabs .The time from exposure to the virus to the appearance of the rash (incubation period)is usually 14-16 days ,with a range of 10-21days .
Chicken pox is very contagious and spreads in several ways .It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes ,releasing droplets containing the virus.The virus can also spread through direct contact with the fluid from chicken pox blisters or respiratory secretions .A person is contagious from one to two days before the rash appears until all the blisters have formed scabs.
COMPLICATION OF CHICKEN POX
*Pneumonia (lung infection).
*Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
*Bacterial infection of the skin.
TREATMENT
Calamine lotion or taking oatmeal baths to soothe the itching ,using acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fevers .
NOTE
Aspirin should not be used , especially in children as it cause Reye’s syndrome.
PREVENTION
*Avoid contact with infected individual.
*Avoid sharing personal items like towels and utensils.
*Practicing good hygiene.
