Communicable Disease Epidemiology
Epidemiology: Chickenpox (Varicella)
Sheree Criner, RN
Grand Canyon University
NRS 427 V
December 21, 2014
Epidemiology: Chickenpox (Varicella)
As stated by to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (CDC, 2013); chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). VZV causes a primary infection that is characterized by a rash with macules, papules, and then vesicles. Other symptoms include fever, lethargy, and pruritus. VZV then remains in the body on the sensory nerve ganglia and can reactivate as at a future time as shingles (Herpes Zoster). Chickenpox is spread through airborne, droplet, and contact with infected fluids. Chickenpox is treated by treating the symptoms, and preventing complications. Home remedies such as anti-itch lotions and soothing baths may help relieve itching and irritation. Long fingernails can be trimmed short to help prevent injury to the skin caused by scratching which may lead to skin infections, and antipyretics can be used for fever. Generally healthy persons will survive the disease, but certain demographics can have complications that can result in death.
Epidemiologic Triangle
VZV can spread easily from an infected host to a susceptible host who has never had chickenpox or who has never received the varicella vaccine. VZV is transmitted when an infected host sneezes or coughs in the air. Transmission also occurs by direct or indirect contact or breathing in chickenpox vesicles particles that contain the virus. The reservoir, person with VZV, is contagious from one to two days before rash onset until the vesicles have crusted over. The virus then exits the host via the vesicles and respiratory tract. The VZV enters the susceptible host via the respiratory tract, through open wounds, or by touching mucous membranes. After exposure to the virus it takes 10-21 days for the susceptible host to develop varicella (CDC, 2013). During latent exacerbation of the disease, shingles, those who have
Sheree Criner, RN
Grand Canyon University
NRS 427 V
December 21, 2014
Epidemiology: Chickenpox (Varicella)
As stated by to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (CDC, 2013); chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). VZV causes a primary infection that is characterized by a rash with macules, papules, and then vesicles. Other symptoms include fever, lethargy, and pruritus. VZV then remains in the body on the sensory nerve ganglia and can reactivate as at a future time as shingles (Herpes Zoster). Chickenpox is spread through airborne, droplet, and contact with infected fluids. Chickenpox is treated by treating the symptoms, and preventing complications. Home remedies such as anti-itch lotions and soothing baths may help relieve itching and irritation. Long fingernails can be trimmed short to help prevent injury to the skin caused by scratching which may lead to skin infections, and antipyretics can be used for fever. Generally healthy persons will survive the disease, but certain demographics can have complications that can result in death.
Epidemiologic Triangle
VZV can spread easily from an infected host to a susceptible host who has never had chickenpox or who has never received the varicella vaccine. VZV is transmitted when an infected host sneezes or coughs in the air. Transmission also occurs by direct or indirect contact or breathing in chickenpox vesicles particles that contain the virus. The reservoir, person with VZV, is contagious from one to two days before rash onset until the vesicles have crusted over. The virus then exits the host via the vesicles and respiratory tract. The VZV enters the susceptible host via the respiratory tract, through open wounds, or by touching mucous membranes. After exposure to the virus it takes 10-21 days for the susceptible host to develop varicella (CDC, 2013). During latent exacerbation of the disease, shingles, those who have
References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013). Retrieved on December 18, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/hcp/clinical-overview.html Marin, M., Meissner, H. C., & Seward, J. F. (2008). Varicella prevention in the United States: a review of successes and challenges. Pediatrics, 122(3), e744-e751. Smith, M. a. (2009). Community/Public Health Nursing Practice: Health for Families and Populations, 4th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf version]. Retrieved on December 21, 2014 from http://pageburstls.elsevier.com/books/9781416050049/id/B9781416050049000081_p346 World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). The determinants of health. Retrieved December 21, 2014, from http://www.who.int/hia/evidence/doh/en/ World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). Varicella. Retrieved on December 18, 2014, from http://www.who.int/ith/diseases/varicella/en/