Varicella Clinical Manifestations
Varicella is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a member of the herpes group of viruses. It is usually a mild disease that lasts a short time in healthy children. However, it can be severe in adults and may cause serious and even fatal complications in people of any age.
Complications of the disease 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).
Varicella Clinical Manifestations
The incubation period of Varicella takes about 8-12 days. Clinical symptoms began with symptom prodormal that is not very high fever, fast feel weak, tired, lethargic, no appetite, headache, occasional abdominal pain, back pain, and anorexia. Then followed the emergence of skin eruption of erythematous papules that within a few hours turned into a vesicle. These vesicles form a typical form of droplets emben (tear drops). Vesicles will turn into pustules and then into crust. While this process, new vesicles arise again giving rise to polymorphs picture. The spread especially in the body and then attacks the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and upper respiratory tract. If there is secondary infection, there will be enlargement of regional lymph nodes. The disease is accompanied by intense itching.