11-2-2006 Important Health Information – Chickenpox

Important Health News from the Nurse 

            Several cases of Chickenpox have been diagnosed in school.  The vast majority of the middle school population has documentation of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.  If you are unsure of the status of your child’s immunization please check with your child’s physician. 

            Chickenpox is a respiratory illness caused by the varicella zoster virus.  The signs or symptoms of chickenpox is Rash (red bumps blistering over 3-4 days, Fever, Runny nose and cough. The Rash is more noticeable on the trunk, Blisters crop up over several days.  The incubation period is usually 14 to 16 days.  The most contagious period is from 1-2 days before the rash appears. An infected person no longer spreads the virus when the blisters have scabs and no new blisters are forming.

Chickenpox is spread by airborne droplets from the mouth or nose from coughing or sneezing. Primarily chickenpox is spread from direct contact with mucus from eyes, nose or mouth and from fluid inside the blisters of an infected person.

Exclusion for a chickenpox rash is necessary even if the child has received varicella vaccine. You should check with your child’s physician if you are unsure.