CHICKENPOX IN ENGLISH

                                             

                                       CHICKENPOX IN ENGLISH

                          watch my youtube video to understand this topic in easy way-

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Opq-xOV7vu0

CHICKEN POX-

u  Chickenpox is highly infectious viral disease caused by vericella zoster virus. It is also known as varicella disease.

CAUSATIVE AGENT-

u  Chickenpox is caused by varicella zoster virus. It is also known as human herpes virus 3.

SOURCE OF INFECTION-

u  The source of infectionis usally a case of chickenpox. The virus is present in droplets from mouth and nose, mucosal surface and skin lesions.

HOW IT SPREADS-

u  The mode of transmission is droplet infection and direct conatct. The patient is able spread infection 1-2 days before and 4-5 days after appearence of rash.

INCUBATION  PERIOD-

u  The incubation period of chicken pox is 14 to 16 days. But it may range from 7 to 21 days.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS-

u  Based on sign and symptoms clinically chicken pox have to stages-

u  1. Pre eruptive stage - This stage is charactrised by fever, pain in back, shivering and malaise. This stage lasts for -3 days

u  2. Eruptive stage- This stage is charactrised by appearance of rashes. These rashes are symetrical and starts appearing from trunk. Soon these rash spreads to face, arms and legs. The rashes changes rapidly from macule-papule-vesicle and scab.

u  The scabbing begins 4-7 days after appearance of rashes. A charactristic feature of rash of chicken pox is pleomorphism. Pleomorphisim means all stages of the rashes may be seen at same time. Fever is seen in this stage as well

COMPLICATION-

u  Although varicella is usually a benign childhood disease, and rarely rated as an important public health problem but sometimes complications may occur and varicella zoster virus may induce pneumonia or encephalitis, sometimes with persistent sequelae or death. 

u  Secondary bacterial infections of the vesicles may leave disfiguring scars or result in necrotizing fasciitis or septicaemia. Maternal varicella during pregnancy may cause abortion and birth defects such as cutaneous scars, atrophied limbs, microcephaly and low birth weight etc.

DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS-

u  Laboratory diagnosis is rarely required as clinical signs are usually clear-cut. Laboratory confirmation of varicella zoster (HZ) is done by detecting virus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or isolating VZV in cell culture from vesicular fluid, crusts, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid or other specimens. 

TREATMENT-

u  Several antiviral compounds provide effective therapy for varicella including acyclovir, valaciclovir, famiciclovir and foscarnet. Acyclovir can prevent the development of systemic disease. Main attention is give to prevent the spread to infection.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL-

u  The best control measures for chicken pox are notifications and isolation of cases for about 6 days after onset of rash and disinfection of articles soiled by nose and throat discharges

u  Varicella-Zoster Immunoglobulin (VZIG) given within 72 hours of exposure has been recommended for prevention of chickenpox in exposed susceptible individuals particularly in immunosuppressed persons.

u  A live attenuated varicella virus vaccine is also available for prevention. It is not included in routine immunization in India till date but can be vaccinated at any private child care center.