ABIO 375 - Varicella (Chickenpox)

What causes this disease/condition?

Varicella-zoster

What is the infectious agent (give its name, identify the gene/genetic material, and explain any genetic issues)?

Varicella-zoster virus

Who gets it?

Anyone, but mostly unvaccinated kids before age 10

If it is contagious, how is it spread?

Yes, close contact or via aerosols

What are the symptoms/stages of the disease?

Incubation period: 2 weeks, contagious, no symptoms.

After 2 weeks, break out in bumpy, itchy rash (NOT on palms or soles). Rash starts from head down trunk and arms and legs, small fluid-filled bumps form- comes in waves, some have fevers

Contagious until all of ash has scabbed over

How do we identify/diagnose it?

Small, red fluid filled bumps

How do we treat it?

Anti-itch cream, oatmeal bath, fever reducer/anti-virals for some severe cases, stay cool

Can we prevent it? If so, how? If not, why?

Yes. Stay away from people who have chickenpox and get vaccinated - Vaccines are given in early childhood for varicella (part of MMRV)

List at least 3 other things you learned about this condition/What are some historical facts, previously used treatments, or links to other diseases related to this condition?

First vaccine available in 1972

Wasn't fully distinguished from smallpox until 1767

Name comes from chickpeas - resembles shape and weakened from of smallpox so chicken explains that