| (*PDF
version) for printing.
CHICKENPOX*
(varicella - zoster)
Facts and Guidelines for School Exclusion Policy
Incubation Period: 2-3 weeks, usually 13-17 days.
Signs and Symptoms: Skin rash often consisting
of small blisters all over the body which leave scabs. Eruption
comes in crops. There may be pimples, blisters and scabs
all present at the same time. Mild fever. Sometimes this
infection is mild and only a few blisters are present.
Methods
of Transmission
Chickenpox is spread by direct contact, droplet or airborne
spread of secretions from the respiratory tract of an infected
person. Also, indirectly by contact with articles freshly
soiled with the discharges from blisters or vesicles of
an infected person.
Minimum
Control Measures
Communicable Period: As long as 5 days but normally 1-2
days before blisters appear, and until all blisters are
crusted and scabbed, or until 5 days after the appearance
of the blisters. Contagiousness can be longer in a person
with altered immunity.
Control: EXCLUDE infected children from
school and childcare until all of the blisters are crusted
and scabbed or until 5 days after the day the blisters first
appear. EXCLUDE susceptible contacts (i.e. those children
who have not had chickenpox disease or the vaccination)
from day 10 through day 21 following exposure to a case
of chickenpox within the same kindergarten class or grade
level required to be vaccinated.
Vaccine-Preventable:
Chickenpox vaccine is recommended at 12-18 months of age
and is required for kindergarten school entry. It is recommended
that children younger than thirteen years of age, without
disease history, should receive one dose of vaccine. Adolescents
and adults without disease history should receive two doses
of vaccine four to six weeks apart.
Other
Information
- Notify parents
if you suspect their child has been exposed to chickenpox.
Children should not be given aspirin or salicylate-containing
compounds because the administration of these products
increases the risks of subsequent Reye syndrome. Acetaminophen
may be used for fever control. Early signs and symptoms
include a skin rash, vomiting and confusion. Medical care
should be sought immediately if Reye syndrome is suspected.
- Chickenpox
is generally a more severe disease in adults. Also, children
with certain chronic diseases, such as leukemia or Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), are at extremely high
risk for complications. Pregnant women who have not had
chickenpox are not immune and should avoid exposure because
illness could harm the fetus. A susceptible pregnant woman
who has had exposure should consult with her physician
immediately.
- Shingles or
zoster infections are not caused from exposure to chickenpox,
but caused by reactivation of the virus in the body. Therefore,
adults are not at risk for shingles when exposed to a
person with chickenpox.
- Chickenpox
is reportable. The patient’s demographics, vaccination
status, and clinical information should be reported to
the local and state health department. To report a case
of chickenpox or if you have questions regarding the above
information, contact your local health department or the
Utah Department of Health at 1-888-EPI-UTAH (374-8824
Reporting Number) or (801) 538-6191.
Utah
Department of Health
Office of Epidemiology
P.O. Box 142101
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2104
Reporting Number 1-888-EPI-UTAH
Office Phone (801)538-6191
Fax (801)538-9923
http://health.utah.gov/epi
|
