Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It presents with an itchy rash that goes through several phases from raised bumps to fluid-filled blisters to crusts and scabs. While usually mild and self-limiting, it can develop into more serious complications in babies, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems. The virus is transmitted through direct contact or respiratory droplets. Vaccination with two doses is recommended to prevent infection. Complications may include bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, or inflammation of the brain or bloodstream. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and allowing the immune system to suppress the virus.

1. Presented by:
Whelhelmina I. Montefrio, BSN – RN
Head Nurse – Fever Ward

2. Chickenpox
 a very contagious disease caused by the
varicella-zoster virus ( a member of the
herpes family of viruses )
 People who get the virus can develop into a
serious illness in some babies or children,
pregnant women, smokers & to a person w/
poor immune system, ex. person w/
leukemia, w/ HIV/AIDS, on high dose steroids
medication, or are taking chemotherapy.

3. Signs and Symptoms
Initial symptoms of chicken pox includes:
Fatigue
Mild fever
Lack of appetite
& a feeling of being generally unwell
This is quickly followed ( usually within 24hrs ) the development of red rash appears in the trunks,
chest & then spread to other parts of the body including the mouth & throat, eyelids & genital area.
Once the chicken pox rash appears, it goes through 3 phases :
Raised pink or red bumps (papules) w/c break out over several days
Fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), forming from the raised bumps over about 1day before breaking &
leaking
Crusts & scabs , w/c cover the broken blisters & take several more days to heal
The spots cause itching – one of the most annoying manifestations of CP & a pt. who scratches the
lesions may excoriate the skin or cause an infection from bacteria that get into open lesions.

5. Mode of
Transmission Direct Contact
Droplet
Airborne
Transmission

6. 11-21 days after the
exposure
1-2 Days before first lesion until
last vesicle is dried 5-7 days

7. Prevention
Hygiene Measures
Vaccination

8. VACCINATION
 CDC recommends two doses of
chickenpox vaccine for children,
adolescents, and adults. Children
should receive two doses of the vaccine
the first dose at 12mos. through 15
months old and a second dose at 4yrs
old through 6 years old.

9. Complications
 Dehydration
 Pneumonia
 Bleeding problems
 Infection or inflammation of the brain
(encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia)
 Bacterial infections of the skin and
soft tissues in children including
Group A streptococcal infections
 Blood stream infections (sepsis)
 Toxic shock syndrome
 Bone infections
 Joint infections

10. Varicella Pneumonia
 Lung infection ( pneumonia)
caused by the chickenpox virus is
uncommon complication of
chickenpox. It develops when the
chickenpox virus travels to the
lungs.

11. Cont.
Varicella pneumonia can occur 2 to
10 days after the chickenpox rash.
Fever and cough are usually the
first signs. Most people recover
from varicella pneumonia. But the
symptoms may last for weeks or
months.

12. Signs and Symptoms
Chest Pain
Dyspnea
Fever
Cough
 Pleuritic friction rub

13. Treatment & Nsg. Mngt.
Like other pneumonia-causing
organisms, the Varicella virus can cause
mild to severe symptoms in patients. It
is commonly treated with an anti-viral
and anti-inflammatory medications.

14. Cont.
 Treatment mainly consists of easing and
relieving the symptoms while the immune
system suppresses the virus in the body.

15. cont.
 Daily aseptic baths
 Oral Antihistamines to decrease
pruritus.
 Acyclovir
 Avoid salicylates
 Isolation until all lesion have crusted

16. Thank You .