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Varicella-zoster virus- can cause chickenpox infection.

chickenpox is a communicable disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus. it is transmitted mainly by droplets and skin contact. chickenpox mainly occurs in children under 10 years of age but can affect the adult. the disease can be severed in adults.


Causes:

chickenpox caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. and transmitted by coughing, sneezing, and in contact with an infected person.10-12 days after the contact with an infected person to show the symptom.


Symptom :

  1. the virus is transmitted mainly by droplets and skin contact,
  2. fever,
  3. anorexia,
  4. headache,
  5. rashes first appearing on the body then spreading to face arms and legs,
  6. itching
  7. sudden fever,
  8. back pain,
  9. loss of appetite,
  10. the feeling of unwellness.


Diagnosis:

chickenpox is diagnosed as symptomatic. and microscopic examination.


Treatment: 

calamine lotion is used in relieving the itching. painkillers (analgesic) and antipyretics like paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac help in pain. the antiviral drug should be given in complicated cases (as prescribed by the physician).patient are advised to consume plenty of water and take a balanced diet.


Prevention:

the vaccine is available to prevent chickenpox. it should be administered to children less than 13 years .first dose is administered 12-15 months and the second dose is between 4-6 years.


varicella-zoster virus:

varicella-zoster virus belongs to the herpes virus group.it is a double-stranded virion with icosahedral symmetry and 162 capsomers. in adults, the same virus causes herpes zoster (shingles).
when it passes to the bloodstream and localizes in the peripheral nerves and skin, it multiplies rapidly in cutaneous tissue. this results in the development of fluid-filled, skin lesions called vesicles .the vesicle contains a large amount of virus-laden, highly infected fluid. after 3-4 days, they break open, forming crusts that become dry. the lesion is larger than smallpox. the disease becomes serious if the lungs (develops pneumonia) or brain (encephalitis) are developed. secondary infection of the skin may occur.


Herpes zoster (shingles):

in adults is a painful disease in which the virus multiplies in the ganglia along the spinal cord and then passes down the nerves of the trunk to the skin. there are a superficial tingling and burning sensation in the skin with blotchy red patches.



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