What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is one of the most common communicable diseases in childhood, being quite contagious. It is characterized by blisters or pimples that cause intense itching and can affect the entire skin. It is an infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus, of the Herpesvirus group.
What are the symptoms?
There may be:
- mild fever (sometimes severe in adult)
- headache
- malaise
- lack of appetite
- skin rash
Small red spots (macules) appear that evolve into solid lesions of the skin within hours, followed by the formation of small blisters (vesicles) that progress to the formation of crusts for 3-4 days. These skin lesions are also characterized by the itching they cause.
The skin rash starts on the trunk, moving to extremities such as the scalp, armpits, mouth, face, respiratory tract or to areas with skin irritation, such as sunburn and diaper dermatitis.
How is it transmitted?
Chickenpox is spread from person to person:
- by direct contact, when someone touches pimples or contaminated objects
- by droplets of saliva in the air of the person with chickenpox, when sneezing, coughing or talking
What is the contagion period?
The period of contagion of chickenpox is from 1 to 2 days before the appearance of the lesions until 6 days after.
What is the incubation period?
The average incubation period is 14 to 16 days after exposure to chickenpox, ranging from 10 to 21 days.
Is there vaccination?
yes. However, in Portugal the varicella vaccine is not included in the National Vaccination Program, but it is authorized by Infarmed and available for medical prescription. The chickenpox vaccine is recommended in susceptible adolescents and adults. Risk groups include:
- non-immune women before pregnancy
- Parents of young, non-immunized children
- adults or children who are in regular contact with immunocompromised patients
- non-immune individuals in high-risk occupations (daycare and nursery workers, teachers, health care workers)
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)