Introduction Chicken Pox is an ubiquitous and extremely contagious viral illness. The primary illness, characterised by a generalised skin rash, is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. Recurrence of the infection results in a localised skin rash, otherwise known as shingles or Herpes Zoster. Chicken Pox, often confused with Small Pox in earlier times, occurs seasonally and in epidemics the world over.
Humans are the only known reservoir.
The virus is spread by the respiratory route and is a common infection in children. Cause and Pathogenesis Varicella Zoster virus is an enveloped virus of the herpes family. Chicken Pox occurs in susceptible individuals who are exposed to the virus after intimate contact. After entry through the respiratory route, the virus replicates, reaches the lymphatic system and then the blood stream. Roughly two weeks after the virus entry, a diffuse vesicular skin rash is seen.