Chicken pox

Question 1

What pathogen causes infection in chicken pox?

Answer 1

Primary infection of varicella zoster virus

Question 2

How is chicken pox spread?

Answer 2

Spread via respiratory route

Question 3

When is chicken pox infectious?

Answer 3

4 days before the rash and 5 days after it disappears

Question 4

Clinical features of chicken pox

Answer 4

1. Fever initially
2. Mild systemic upset - sore throat and headache
3. Rash

Question 5

Describe the rash in chicken pox

Answer 5

1. Macular -> Papular -> Vesicular -> Crusting

2. Itchy

Question 6

Describe how the rash progresses around the body

Answer 6

Itchy rash starts at the head and trunk before spreading to the rest of the body

Question 7

Dx

Answer 7

Clinical diagnosis

Question 8

Treatment

Answer 8

1. IV acyclovir

2. Immunocompromise/newborns Varicella Immunoglobulins