Varicella (Chickenpox) in Healthcare Settings

Overview of Varicella (Chickenpox) in Healthcare Settings

Varicella (i.e., chickenpox) is a highly contagious disease caused by varicella zoster
virus (VZV). Transmission of Varicella within healthcare facilities is well recognized, and guidelines for the prevention of nosocomial VZV infection previously have been published. Sources for healthcare-associated exposure have included patients, hospital staff, and visitors (e.g., the children of hospital employees) who are infected with varicella or herpes zoster. In hospitals, airborne transmission of VZV has been demonstrated when varicella has occurred in susceptible persons who have had no direct contact with the index case-patient.

These resources may be of use to healthcare professionals:

 

Date last modified: April 5, 2005
Content source: 
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP)
National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases (NCPDCID)