Chickenpox

By Rebecca Jones and Molly Weisner

What is it?

• Chickenpox is also called varicella zoster• Viral disease• Victim experiences headache, fever, small,

red, fluid-filled blisters that scar and are very itchy

• It has been around since the 1500s

History

• First discovered in the 1500,’s in Italy• Named in the 1600’s• Thought to be given to children with black

magic• Proven not a form of small pox in the 1700’s

Who is in Danger?

• Mostly infects children under 18• Seams to be worse in children who are

previously healthy• Can kill children receiving treatment for

cancer• One of ten vaccinated children are still

susceptible

How is it spread?

• Infectious • Air or direct contact• Coughing and sneezing• You are contagious 1-2 days before the first

symptoms appear• Most contagious in the first 2-5 days after

symptoms appear• No longer contagious after 10-14 days

The Varicella Vaccine: Current Research

• Varicella vaccine is another name for the chickenpox vaccine

• First created in Japan in 1970’s and licensed for use in Japan and Korea in 1988

• First used in United States in March 1995• Creates immunity by injecting weakened form

of virus into the body• It creates a very small, harmless antibodies

Recent Outbreak: Indiana

• In Vigo County, IN• Since end of September, Vigo Country

experienced 84 cases• Surrounding Parke County has also

experienced an outbreak in the schools• Children who had been already immunized

were infected• Vaccine only prevents 9 out of 10 cases

Works Cited• Baklow, Neil R. "Chickenpox." World Book. 2011. Print.• Farrell, Jeanette. Invisible Enemies: Stories of Infectious Disease. New York:

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1998. Print.• "History of Chickenpox." History of Chickenpox. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb.

2013.• Hyde, Margaret O., and Elizabeth Held. Forsyth. Vaccinations: From

Smallpox to Cancer. New York: F. Watts, 2000. Print.• "KidsHealth." Chickenpox. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.• Newton, David E. Sick! Diseases and Disorders, Injuries and Infections. Vol.

1. N.p.: Gale Group, 2000. Print.• "Sarah Woodbury." Sarah Woodbury. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.• "Vigo Has Largest Active Chickenpox Outbreak » Local & Bistate » News

From Terre Haute, Indiana." Local Bistate ATOM. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2013.

Interesting Facts

• Taking aspirin while having Chickenpox can lead to Reye Syndrome

• Trim your fingernails short so you don’t tear skin and get infected

• Pox means a curse• Helps to take an oatmeal bath• Vaccine protects 90% of children