Varicella zoster Flashcards
What can the varicella zoster virus (VZV) cause in children?
Chicken pox
Is chicken pox contagious?
Highy contagious
What happens to the virus after the initial infection of chicken pox?
The virus lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia
It may become reactivated in later life, manifesting as shingles.
What can varicella zoster virus manifest as later in life if it is reactived?
Shingles
Where does the varicella zoster virus lie dormant in the body?
It lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia
What are the main presenting features of varicella zoster virus?
Fever
Itch
Fatigue and malaise
widespread, erythematous, raised, vesicular rash
How is the rash casued by varicella zoster virus described?
Widespread, erythematous, raised, vesicular (fluid filled), blistering lesions
Starts on the trunk and face and spreads outwards
When is varciella zoster n longer contageous?
When the lesions have dried out and crusted over
How is chicken pox spread?
Through direct contact with the lesion or through infected droplets from a cough or sneeze
How is chicken pox usually managed?
keep cool, trim nails
calamine lotion
school exclusion
How long does a child with chicken pox need to be exluded?
Until all the lesions are dry and have crusted over (usually about 5 days after the onset of the rash).
What is one of the main complications of chicken pox?
Secondary bacterial infection/ bacterial superinfection
What increases teh risk of bacterial superinfection?
NSAIDs
Group A streptococcal soft tissue infections may occur in a few patients resulting in necrotizing fasciitis
Are pregnant women who are known to be immune to chickenpox at risk when they come into contact with chicken pox?
No
What is chicken pox in pregnancy, before 28 weeks gestation associated with?
Developmental probelms in the fetus known as congenital varicella syndrome
What can pregnant women who are not known to be immune to chicken pox be given after coming into contct with the virus?
varicella zoster immunoglobulins
What can chickenpox in the mother around the time of delivery result in?
life threatening neonatal infection
What is chicken pox around the time of delivery treated with?
varicella zoster immunoglobulins and aciclovir
What type of condition is chicken pox?
Mild, self limiting condition
How can the symptoms of itching in chicken pox be managed?
Calamine lotion
Chlorphenamine (antihistamine).
What medication can be considered in immunocompromised, neonates and those at risk of complications?
Aciclovir
What complication of chicken pox might require admission?
Encephalitis
