Varicella

Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a member of the herpes group of viruses. Symptoms of chickenpox take between 14 and 15 days after infection to show. Varicella is a common, highly infectious, childhood illness; usually self-limiting and uncomplicated. However, cross-infection in hospital environments, especially in maternity and paediatric settings, can cause serious illness in immunocompromised clients. It is likely that some students will be among the approximately 10-25% of adults who are not immune, which would pose a risk to yourselves and your clients.

The disease is spread by direct contact with people who are infected and it is often more serious in adults.

Symptoms of chickenpox include a rash that turns into open lesions (small wounds), which crust over.

Complications include:

  • infection of the lesions;
  • pneumonia (lung infection);
  • difficulty walking and balancing;
  • meningitis (infection of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord); and
  • encephalitis (brain infection).

Chickenpox virus can reactivate many years after the initial infection and cause shingles (herpes zoster).  Once proven immune, or you have received two doses of vaccine, you are considered permanently immune.

Screening Form

Complete the following form as a record of your screening status and send to your school office. This form is in Adobe PDF format.