Presented by:Whelhelmina I. Montefrio, BSN – RN Head Nurse – Fever Ward

Chickenpox a very contagious disease caused by the

varicella-zoster virus ( a member of the herpes family of viruses )

People who get the virus can develop into a serious illness in some babies or children, pregnant women, smokers & to a person w/ poor immune system, ex. person w/ leukemia, w/ HIV/AIDS, on high dose steroids medication, or are taking chemotherapy.

Signs and SymptomsInitial symptoms of chicken pox includes:FatigueMild feverLack of appetite& a feeling of being generally unwellThis is quickly followed ( usually within 24hrs ) the development of red rash appears in the trunks, chest & then spread to other parts of the body including the mouth & throat, eyelids & genital area.Once the chicken pox rash appears, it goes through 3 phases : Raised pink or red bumps (papules) w/c break out over several daysFluid-filled blisters (vesicles), forming from the raised bumps over about 1day before breaking & leakingCrusts & scabs , w/c cover the broken blisters & take several more days to healThe spots cause itching – one of the most annoying manifestations of CP & a pt. who scratches the lesions may excoriate the skin or cause an infection from bacteria that get into open lesions.

Mode of Transmission Direct

Contact

Droplet Airborne Transmission

Incubation Period11-21 days after the exposure

Communicability1-2 Days before first lesion until last vesicle is dried 5-7 days

PreventionHygiene Measures

Vaccination

VACCINATION

CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine for children, adolescents, and adults. Children should receive two doses of the vaccine the first dose at 12mos. through 15 months old and a second dose at 4yrs old through 6 years old.

ComplicationsDehydrationPneumoniaBleeding problems Infection or inflammation of the brain

(encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia)Bacterial infections of the skin and

soft tissues in children including Group A streptococcal infections

Blood stream infections (sepsis)Toxic shock syndromeBone infectionsJoint infections

Varicella Pneumonia

Lung infection ( pneumonia) caused by the chickenpox virus is uncommon complication of chickenpox. It develops when the chickenpox virus travels to the lungs.

Cont.Varicella pneumonia can occur 2 to

10 days after the chickenpox rash. Fever and cough are usually the first signs. Most people recover from varicella pneumonia. But the symptoms may last for weeks or months.

Signs and Symptoms

Chest Pain DyspneaFeverCough Pleuritic friction rub

Treatment & Nsg. Mngt.

Like other pneumonia-causing organisms, the Varicella virus can cause mild to severe symptoms in patients. It is commonly treated with an anti-viral and anti-inflammatory medications.

Cont.

Treatment mainly consists of easing and relieving the symptoms while the immune system suppresses the virus in the body.

cont.Daily aseptic bathsOral Antihistamines to decrease

pruritus.Acyclovir Avoid salicylates Isolation until all lesion have crusted

Thank You .