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MS WordPerinatologist Corner - C.E.U/C.M.E. Modules
Varicella in Pregnancy
2. Introduction
Varicella zoster is a DNA virus and a member of the herpesvirus family (Figure
1).
1). Chicken pox is the acute primary disease and shingles, also know as herpes
zoster, is the recurrent form. Varicella is a common, highly contagious childhood
disease with skin lesions which progress from macules and papules to vesicles
and pustules. 90% of people acquire the disease prior to reproductive age, and
the disease during this age is generally self-limited. Varicella disease in
pregnant women poses a special problem for the health care provider due to a
significant increase in the severity of the disease in the woman and the possible
devastating effects to the fetus and the neonate. (English)
Figure 1: Electron micrograph of varicella zoster
