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Varicella (chickenpox)

Varicella (Chickenpox) is a disease caused by infection with the varicella zoster virus, which causes fever and an itchy rash

Transmission: Spread by coughing and sneezing (highly contagious), by direct contact, and by aerosolization of virus from skin lesions.

Vaccination: Varicella vaccine can prevent this disease. Currently, two doses of vaccine are recommended for children, adolescents, and adults. Vaccination not only protects vaccinated persons, it also reduces the risk for exposure in the community for persons unable to be vaccinated because of illness or other conditions, including those who may be at greater risk for severe disease. If a vaccinated person does get chickenpox, it is usually a very mild case lasting only a few days and involving fewer skin lesions (usually less than 50), mild or no fever, and few other symptoms.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines are available for:
	• Diphtheria • Haemophilus influenzae type b • Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) • Influenza (flu) • Measles • Meningococcal • Mumps • Pertussis (whooping cough) • Pneumococcal • Polio • Rotavirus • Rubella • Tetanus (lockjaw) • Varicella (chickenpox)