Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a very contagious disease which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is spread by droplets from the nose or by touching fluid from skin blisters of an infected child. Chickenpox causes a rash which blisters and is very itchy, but it rarely causes any other complications in children.

Chickenpox is also known as varicella after the virus which causes it.

Incubation period

The incubation period is the length of time it takes from being infected by someone else with chickenpox, to showing symptoms. For example, you come in contact with someone infected with chickenpox. It will take 2-3 weeks before you show any symptoms.

You will be infectious for at least 2-3 days before the rash starts until the last blister dries up.

Chickenpox has an incubation period of: 10-21 days

How do you get chickenpox?

You can catch chickenpox in a few ways:

• breathing in tiny infected droplets from infected people, when they cough or sneeze
• touching infected blisters that have pus, on a person infected with chickenpox

You can’t catch chickenpox from a person whose blisters are scabbed up and dry.

Symptoms of chickenpox

• Fever – slightly raised temperature (mild fever)
• Rash – small, dark red spots that are very itchy. These appear in groups around the stomach/chest/back and face and then spread to the rest of the body
• Blisters – tiny blisters may develop in the mouth
• Fluid filled blisters – the rash develops into blisters that open up and crust over

Treatment of chickenpox

• See a doctor – any child with suspected chickenpox needs to see a doctor who can perform an examination to diagnose this condition
• Rest – the child should rest to help the body heal itself
• Fluids – plenty of fluids (water, natural juice)
• Lotion – the doctor will prescribe a lotion for relieving any itching of the rash spots (calamine lotion, paste of bicarbonate of soda mixed with water, watered down lavender oil)
• Cool bath – a cool bath with oatmeal and bicarbonate of soda added may help to reduce itchiness
• Medication – the doctor may advise giving the baby paracetemol or ibuprofen to reduce the fever

Complications

Newborn babies, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system or serious other underlying conditions can face serious illness.

• Keep children with chickenpox away from pregnant women, as the virus can not only infect her, but the unborn baby as well and this can cause birth defects.
• Chickenpox can re-emerge later in life as shingles, which can have serious complications.

Vaccination

All children under 14 should receive of the varicella vaccine.

The national immunisation schedule advises children to be immunised with the:

• MMRV vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella at 18 months. This is free
• second dose of the MMRV vaccine at least 4 weeks after the first dose. This is not free

Reducing risk of infection

If someone who isn’t immune is exposed to chickenpox, they may be treated with:

• a varicella vaccination within 5 days of exposure
• an injection of varicella-zoster immunoglobulin. This contains high levels of varicella-zoster virus antibodies. It helps the body recognise the virus and overcome it, preventing infection. This is only given to people who may have an increased risk of serious illness. It is usually given within 4 days (96 hours) of exposure but can be given as late as 10 days after exposure

References

• Chickenpox. Department of Health and Aged Care. Accessed 20 July 2024
• Chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. Department of Health and Aged Care. Accessed 20 July 2024
• About Chickenpox. CDC USA. Accessed 24 July 2024

Last reviewed and updated: 9 July 2024