Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Varicella Lesions - Courtesy of CDC PHIL
Varicella is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Symptoms include mild fever and a diffuse itchy rash which progresses from macules to papules to vesicular lesions before crusting.
Varicella is usually mild in children, but complications can occur, and include secondary skin infections, septicemia, toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, or encephalitis.
A varicella vaccine was introduced in the 1990's, and is highly effective. Before the vaccine was available, there were approximately 10,000 varicella hospitalizations each year in the United States, and over 100 varicella-related deaths.
Alaska Surveillance Data
In the past five years, Alaska has received an average of 38 reports of varicella per year. The majority of cases reported to the Section of Epidemiology were clinically diagnosed only without any laboratory confirmation testing; health care providers are encouraged to test to more accurately describe varicella epidemiology and ensure that appropriate disease control measures are implemented.
Resources for the General Public
Resources for Healthcare Providers
Varicella is a public health reportable condition in Alaska. Reports must be made within 2 working days after being suspected or diagnosed. Please call the Alaska Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8000.
Infectious Disease Program Resources