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Pathology
Varicella zoster virus. Usually mild infection in childhood.
Aetiology
Droplet spread via respiratory secretions, period of infectivity is 1 day before rash appears until last spot crusted, most infectious in the first 2 days.
Signs
Vesicular rash (centripetal distribution)
Symptoms
Prodrome 1-2 days: headache, fever, malaise, sore throat, myalgia.
Investigations
Microbiology: Swabs for PCR for VZV from secretions/ vesicles.
Treatment
Conservative: Calamine lotion
Medical: Acyclovir for severe disease
Never give aspirin as may precipitate Reye’s syndrome in children
(encephalopathy and fatty degeneration of viscera).
Prognosis
Complications and mortality increases with age. The prognosis of uncomplicated chickenpox is excellent.
Pneumonitis, reactivation of latent virus gives rise to herpes zoster (shingles).
Key Facts
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Key References
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