MedWorm: Chickenpox

[Case Report] Nosocomial transmission of necrotising fasciitis

LANCET — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In June, 2008, a previously healthy 8-month-old girl presented with chickenpox, fever (39·5°C), and a red, painful, and swollen right arm with dusky and purplish skin discoloration (). Empirical intravenous antimicrobial therapy with amoxicillin-clavulanate and clindamycin was initiated after microbiological screening (blood culture and wound smear). A diagnosis of cellulitis with suspicion of necrotising fasciitis was made and surgical debridement was undertaken within 8 h after admission (). Macroscopic and microscopic examination confirmed extensive necrosis. A few hours later, she developed hypotension, renal failure, coagulopathy, and thrombocytopenia. Probable toxic shock syndrome was diagnosed and intensive supportive care started. Multi-susceptible group A streptococcus was isola...

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A literature review regarding the management of varicella-zoster virus

Musculoskeletal Care — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Chickenpox and shingles (varicella-zoster virus [VZV]) pose a threat to individuals who are immunosuppressed and/or have rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory musculoskeletal condition. In this paper we present a literature review of the condition, management and prevention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Musculoskeletal Care)

Black Children At Lower Risk Of Shingles After Chickenpox Vaccine; Genetic Explanation Is Most Likely, Researchers Think

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Black children are less likely than white or Asian children to develop shingles (herpes zoster) after receiving the varicella vaccine to prevent chickenpox, reports a study in the March issue of The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Black Children At Lower Risk Of Shingles After Chickenpox Vaccine; Genetic Explanation Is Most Likely, Researchers Think

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Chickenpox row

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:10:38 +0100

A vaccine is available - why don't we use it? (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Ocular Shingles Linked To Increased Risk Of Stroke

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Having a shingles infection that affects the eyes may increase the risk of stroke, according to new research published in the March 3, 2010, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. For the study, researchers identified 658 people diagnosed with ocular shingles and 1974 without the infection. None of these people had a history of stroke at the beginning of the study. Ocular shingles is an infection of the eye and the skin around the eye caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Changes to varicella (chickenpox) vaccine dosage and schedule

NeLM - News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Vaccine Update Area: News The dosage and schedule for the use of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine in children have been altered. Children aged 13 years or older and adults previously received two doses, four to eight weeks apart. The Summaries of Product Characteristics have since been amended to reflect two doses in those individuals one year to under 13 years of age, given 4-8 weeks apart. The schedule for the older age group remains unchanged. (Source: NeLM - News)

Outbreak of chickenpox in a refugee camp of northern Thailand

BioMed Central — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Although chickenpox is a generally mild, self-limited illness of children, it can cause fatal disease in adults. Accumulating reports from tropical countries showed a high prevalence of seronegativity among the adults, implying that varicella diseases could become a heavy burden in tropical countries. However, in the situation of humanitarian emergencies in tropical areas, chickenpox has largely been ignored as a serious communicable disease, due to lack of data regarding varicella mortality and hospital admissions in such a context. This is the first report describing an outbreak of chickenpox in a refugee camp of tropical region. In 2008, we experienced a varicella outbreak in ethnic Lao Hmong refugee camp in Phetchabun Province, northern Thailand. The attack rate was 4.0% (309/7,815) an...

Shingles vaccination proposed

NHS News Feed — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:49:00 +0100

Millions of people in their seventies could be vaccinated against shingles, according to several newspapers. The news is based on a recommendation from the government’s independent committee on immunisation. It says there may be benefits in vaccinating the elderly against the virus that causes the painful skin condition. The Daily Telegraph says a vaccination programme could be in place by late 2010 if it is proven to be cost-effective. What is the basis for these current reports? News coverage has been based on a short statement released by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI is an independent expert advisory committee that gives advice to the government on matters relating to prevention of communicable diseases through immunisation. Any advice given...

New Hypothesis for Cause of Epidemic among Native Americans, New England, 1616-1619.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Marr JS, Cathey JT In the years before English settlers established the Plymouth colony (1616-1619), most Native Americans living on the southeastern coast of present-day Massachusetts died from a mysterious disease. Classic explanations have included yellow fever, smallpox, and plague. Chickenpox and trichinosis are among more recent proposals. We suggest an additional candidate: leptospirosis complicated by Weil syndrome. Rodent reservoirs from European ships infected indigenous reservoirs and contaminated land and fresh water. Local ecology and high-risk quotidian practices of the native population favored exposure and were not shared by Europeans. Reduction of the population may have been incremental, episodic, and continuous; local customs continuously exposed this popula...

Prednisolone: Chickenpox and pseudotumour cerebri in a child: case report

Reactions — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:05:47 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

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Shot Protects against Chickenpox after Exposure

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:00:00 +0100

Vaccination within 5 days prevents or lessens illness in those at risk, study finds Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Chickenpox, Childhood Immunization (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

New immunization schedule released

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:00:01 +0100

It’s that time of year when we think about immunizations. That’s because every January the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issue an updated immunization schedule. The online version is on the CDC’s web site. There are three schedules: one for birth to 6, one for 7 to 18 and a “catch-up” schedule for kids who start late or have interruptions for whatever reason. Immunization is an evolving science, and new vaccines are created all the time. Once we start getting experience with them, it’s not unusual to change the timing or number of doses. And sometimes vaccines get taken off the schedule, either because there’s a newer and better version, or (rarely) because of problems. This year, there are only a few changes: • The vac...

Prompt Vaccination Reduces Chickenpox Risk After Exposure

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Prompt Vaccination Reduces Chickenpox Risk After Exposure

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

For people who haven't had chickenpox and are exposed to an ill family member, getting vaccinated within five days can reduce the risk of developing chickenpox-or at least reduce the severity of disease, reports a study in the January issue of The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study: Risk of serious chickenpox nine times higher for kids whose parents refuse vaccinations

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Children whose parents refuse to let them be vaccinated for chickenpox are nine times as likely as vaccinated children to develop chickenpox that requires medical attention, researchers say. Although the conclusion may seem self-evident, it reflects a... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

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Health Buzz: Antidepressants Not Very Effective for Mild Depression

U.S. News - Health — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:20:00 +0100

Avoiding chickenpox vaccine has consequences; 5 barely noticeable New Year’s resolutions. (Source: U.S. News - Health)

Increased Risk of Disease Without Chickenpox Vaccine

Disabled World — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:13:05 +0100

Children whose parents refuse the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine appear more likely to develop the disease, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. (Source: Disabled World)

Avoiding Chickenpox Vaccine Has Consequences, Study Finds

U.S. News - Health — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:53:00 +0100

Kids whose parents refuse chickenpox vaccine are 9 times as likely to get sick. (Source: U.S. News - Health)

Unvaccinated Children At Increased Risk Of Varicella Illness

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Children of parents who refuse vaccines are nine times more likely to get chickenpox compared to fully immunized children, according to a new study led by a vaccine research team at Kaiser Permanente Colorado's Institute for Health Research. The study was published in the January issue of the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Unvaccinated Children At Increased Risk Of Varicella Illness

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0100

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Refusing chickenpox vaccine associated with increased risk of disease

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Children whose parents refuse the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine appear more likely to develop the disease, according to a new study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Refusing chickenpox vaccine puts children at risk

Los Angeles Times - Science — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Youths who are not inoculated are nine times more likely to develop a serious enough form of the disease to require medical attention, researchers find. Children whose parents refuse to let them be vaccinated for chickenpox are nine times as likely as vaccinated children to develop chickenpox that requires medical attention, researchers reported Monday. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

Vaccine Refusal Raises Chickenpox Risk

MedicineNet Skin General — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Vaccine Refusal Raises Chickenpox RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 1/5/2010 9:22:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/5/2010 9:22:40 AM (Source: MedicineNet Skin General)

Vaccine Refusal Raises Chickenpox Risk

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Vaccine Refusal Raises Chickenpox RiskCategory: Health NewsCreated: 1/5/2010 9:22:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/5/2010 9:22:40 AM (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Vaccine Refusal Raises Chickenpox Risk

eMedicineHealth.com — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(Source: eMedicineHealth.com)

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Without Chickenpox Shot, Kids' Risk Rises Ninefold

Forbes.com Health News — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:00:00 +0100

Vaccine's success at curbing disease has led to false sense of security, experts say (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

Without Chickenpox Shot, Kids' Risk Rises Ninefold

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:00:00 +0100

Vaccine's success at curbing disease has led to false sense of security, experts say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Chickenpox, Childhood Immunization (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Refusing chickenpox vaccine puts children at risk

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:18:00 +0100

Children whose parents refuse to let them be vaccinated for chickenpox are nine times as likely as vaccinated children to develop chickenpox that requires medical attention, researchers reported today. Although the conclusion may seem self-evident, it... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Vaccine Refusal Raises Chickenpox Risk

WebMD Health — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

New research confirms what public health officials have long known: Children whose parents refuse to allow chickenpox vaccination are at increased risk for getting the disease. (Source: WebMD Health)

[Cerebrovascular accidents in paediatric care. Our experience gained over an 18-year period.]

Revista de Neurologia — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS. The scarcity of studies and therapeutic clinical trials in the paediatric age makes it difficult to lay down clear guidelines of conduct, especially from the therapeutic point of view. The different specialists involved must collaborate with each other. PMID: 20073017 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Revista de Neurologia)

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Diseases tracked by using google trends, Spain.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:50:17 +0100

Authors: Valdivia A, Monge-Corella S To the Editor: We read the article by Pelat et al. (1) with great interest and decided to explore whether this tool could be applicable for non-English and non-French speaking countries and, more specifically, for Spain. We compared the Google queries related to influenza-like illness (ILI) and chickenpox described by Pelat et al. (1), and constructed additional queries with symptoms and conditions frequently associated with ILI. PMID: 20031078 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Former CDC Head To Lead Merck's Vaccine Division

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0100

The pharmaceutical company Merck on Monday named former CDC head Julie Gerberding as president of the company's vaccine division, Reuters reports. "Gerberding, who led the CDC from 2002 to 2009 and stepped down when President Barack Obama took office, will head up the company's $5 billion global vaccine business that includes shots to prevent chickenpox, cervical cancer and pneumonia," the news service reports... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Former head of CDC lands lucrative job as president of Merck vaccine division (opinion)

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) You've heard it before, how the pharmaceutical industry has a giant "revolving door" through which corporations and government agencies frequently exchange key employees. That reality was driven home in a huge way today when news broke that Dr. Julie Gerberding, who headed the CDC from 2002 through 2009, landed a top job with Merck, one of the largest drug companies in the world. Her job there? She's the new president of the vaccine division.How convenient. That means the former head of the CDC was very likely cultivating a relationship with Merck all these years, and now comes the big payoff: Heading up a $5 billion division that sells cervical cancer vaccines (like Gardasil), chickenpox vaccines and of course H1N1 swine flu vaccines, too.So what's the problem with all this?...

Chickenpox Vaccine May Protect Kids From Shingles

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:59:08 +0100

Children who get vaccinated against chickenpox may have a lower risk of developing shingles, U.S. researchers said on Friday. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Chickenpox vaccine may also reduce the risk of shingles

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Researchers don't know if the protection lasts into adulthoodRelated items from OnMedicaHPA warns of possible measles epidemicHib cases down due to vaccine campaignMeasles programme must be stepped-upMeningitis cases at record low, announces Health Secretary 'MMR should be compulsory', says public health expert (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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Chickenpox vaccine reduces incidence of shingles in children

MedWire News - Pediatrics — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:53:03 +0100

Children who receive the chickenpox vaccine may be at lower risk for the acute viral skin infection Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, study results suggest. (Source: MedWire News - Pediatrics)

Chickenpox shot may protect kids from shingles

CBC | Health — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:56:36 +0100

Children who are vaccinated against chickenpox may gain some protection against shingles, a U.S. study suggests. (Source: CBC | Health)

Chicken Pox Shot Protects Against Shingles, Too

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Vaccinated children less likely to get herpes zoster virus, study finds Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Chickenpox, Childhood Immunization, Shingles (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Chickenpox vaccine may protect kids from shingles

Reuters: Health — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:26:32 +0100

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Children who get vaccinated against chickenpox may have a lower risk of developing shingles, a painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus, U.S. researchers said on Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Chickenpox vaccine reduces incidence of shingles in children

MedWire News - Dermatology — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Children who receive the chickenpox vaccine may be at lower risk for the acute viral skin infection Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, study results suggest. (Source: MedWire News - Dermatology)

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Chickenpox Vaccination May Be Reducing Shingles Risk In Kids

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Vaccination to prevent chickenpox (varicella) appears to have an added benefit for children a reduced risk of shingles (herpes zoster)... (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)

Chickenpox Vaccination May Be Reducing Shingles Risk In Kids

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:00 +0100

Vaccination to prevent chickenpox (varicella) appears to have an added benefit for children a reduced risk of shingles (herpes zoster). That's the finding of a study in the November issue of The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Herpesviruses

Medicine — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:03:40 +0100

Abstract: Herpesviruses are highly successful viruses because they transmit to many individuals in all populations, often without causing obvious symptoms. However, they are responsible for significant diseases, including herpes simplex encephalitis, genital herpes, chickenpox, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalic inclusion disease, exanthem subitum and Kaposi's sarcoma. They also cause severe opportunistic disease in patients with T-cell immunodeficiency. Antiviral drugs have greatly reduced the burden of disease caused by herpesviruses. Aciclovir and penciclovir (with their pro-drugs valaciclovir and famciclovir, respectively) are safe in clinical practice. Ganciclovir (and its pro-drug valganciclovir) and foscarnet have significant toxic effects but are clearly indicated for either pre...

FDA Approves New Drug Treatment For Long-Term Pain Relief After Shingles Attacks

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the approval of Qutenza (capsaicin) 8% patch, a medicated skin patch that relieves the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a serious complication that can occur after a bout with shingles. Shingles is an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox - the varicella-zoster virus. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

FDA Approves New Drug Treatment For Long-Term Pain Relief After Shingles Attacks

Pain / Anesthetics News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

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SPD 707: Chickenpox exanthema in a child with egg allergy: case report

Reactions — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:02:00 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Halloween Safety

About.com Pediatrics — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Halloween is always a fun holiday for kids. I still remember the year that I had to miss Halloween because I was sick with chickenpox, but hopefully too many kids don't miss out on the fun because of swine flu fears. Of course, kids who are actually sick with swine flu should stay home on Halloween so that they don't get other kids sick. Most others should be able to enjoy Halloween and trick-or-treating though. Keep these Halloween safety tips in mind, including that your kids: wear a safe costume go trick-or-treating with supervision in safe neighborhoods only eat Halloween candy that has been inspected by an adult to make sure it is safe don't overdo it with Halloween candy Related: Safety on Halloween Halloween Costume Safety Halloween Candy Leftover Halloween Candy Halloween Safet...

Do I Have Shingles?

About AIDS / HIV — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Each year more than one million people in the U.S. suffer an outbreak of shingles, a blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. A viral infection that is characterized by tingling, itching, and fluid-filled blisters, shingles is common among people living with HIV. Needless to say, shingles symptoms are uncomfortable and can be horribly painful. What's more, shingles symptoms can mimic other conditions, from a drug rash to poison ivy. So are you having shingles symptoms? There are a few ways to tell, but first let me explain exactly what shingles is and who's at risk.More About Opportunistic InfectionsFungal Infections Associated with HIVWhat is PML?What Are the AIDS Defining Illnesses?Do I Have Shingles? originally appeared on About.com AIDS / HIV on Thursday, Octobe...

Shingles Raises Risk Of Stroke By 30 Percent Or More In Adults, Study Finds

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Adults who develop shingles are about 30 percent more likely to have a stroke within a year than adults who don't have shingles. When the shingles infection involves the skin around the eye and the eye itself, the risk of stroke may increase more than four-fold. Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

The Pain and Itching of Shingles

About AIDS / HIV — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Each year more than one million people in the U.S. suffer an outbreak of shingles, a blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. A viral infection that... (Source: About AIDS / HIV)

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Cases of chickenpox low

Scotsman.com News - Health — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

LEVELS of chickenpox in the Lothians have remained low, despite the return to school and nursery of thousands of children. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Transmission of varicella vaccine virus, Japan.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We report secondary transmission of the vOka strain from an immunocompetent girl with a history of varicella vaccination to her healthy susceptible brother. PMID: 19861086 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Infecting dose can explain different severity of cases in new influenza A (H1N1)

Medical Hypotheses — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

As in the case of chickenpox, new influenza A (H1N1) can be more severe if viral infective inoculum dose is greater than if it is little. In chickenpox, first case in a family outbreak usually is a middle case of disease. Second case shows a greater count of pustules and finally, a third case is more serious, not only by count of lesions, but in terms of general symptoms as fever . The explanation of this fact is inoculum dose of second and third cases, which is greater than in the first case. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)

Pox rates remain low

Scotsman.com News - Health — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

ONLY seven cases of chickenpox were reported locally last week, despite the schools now being back. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Dermatological conditions presenting at an emergency department in Singapore.

Singapore Medical Journal — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The recognition and management of the common conditions should be core modules in the training of doctors and nurses. PMID: 19787176 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Singapore Medical Journal)

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Varicella zoster virus: review of its management

Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

J Oral Pathol Med (2009) Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is one of eight herpes viruses known to infect humans. Primary infection causes varicella (chickenpox), after which virus becomes latent. Years later, VZV reactivates and causes a wide range of neurological diseases. The aim of the present report was to critically examine the published literature to evaluate advantages and limitations of therapy of VZV infection in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Aciclovir (ACV) has been the drug of choice for many years for the treatment of VZV infections. Recently, other antiviral agents have been developed to overcome the low oral bioavailability of ACV, as well as to provide a more flattering dosage regime. Chickenpox is a benign self-limiting disease in the majority of cases an...

Fully Vaccinated Kids Still Get Chickenpox During Outbreak

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:28:12 +0100

During an outbreak of varicella in an elementary school in Arkansas, students who were vaccinated once or twice still came down with the illness, though their symptoms were mild. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

[Review] Varicella zoster virus vasculopathies: diverse clinical manifestations, laboratory features, pathogenesis, and treatment

Lancet Neurology — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Vasculopathies caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV) are indicative of a productive virus infection in cerebral arteries after either reactivation of VZV (shingles) or primary infection (chickenpox). VZV vasculopathy can cause ischaemic infarction of the brain and spinal cord, as well as aneurysm, subarachnoid and cerebral haemorrhage, carotid dissection, and, rarely, peripheral arterial disease. VZV vasculopathy in immunocompetent or immunocompromised individuals can be unifocal or multifocal with deep-seated and superficial infarctions. Lesions at the grey–white matter junction on brain imaging are a clue to diagnosis. Involvement of both large and small arteries is more common than that of either alone. Most patients have a mononuclear cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, often with red ...

Herpes zoster in the median nerve distribution

Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Varicella zoster virus manifests primarily as a contagious, pruritic polymorphous rash composed of red macules which rapidly become vesicles (known as varicella or Chickenpox). Then, the virus remains latent in the dorsal root ganglia and, in 15% of cases, reappears as herpes zoster, or shingles, often between the sixth and eighth decades of life. (Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery)

20 catch the mumps

Scotsman.com News - Health — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

TWENTY cases of the mumps were among the infections recorded across the Lothians last week. Official figures show there were also 17 instances of chickenpox and 41 bouts of fo (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

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Giant basilar artery aneurysm in a child after exposure to chickenpox virus.

Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:20:02 +0100

Authors: Kantarci M, Ogul H, Tan H, Albayram S PMID: 19412747 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift)

What Is Shingles? What Causes Shingles?

Dermatology News From Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Shingles is caused by the herpes varicella-zoster (or simply zoster) virus. This virus also causes chickenpox. Most of us get chickenpox during childhood, but after we recover the virus remains inactive (dormant) in our nervous system. Our immune system stops the virus from becoming active. However, later in life it may become reactivated, causing shingles. Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin around it. According to Medilexicon's (Source: Dermatology News From Medical News Today)

Does varicella-zoster virus infection of the peripheral ganglia cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Medical Hypotheses — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This article posits that infection of the peripheral ganglia causes at least some cases of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), with a neurotropic herpesvirus, particularly varicella-zoster virus (VZV), as the most likely cause of the infection. Virtually all CFS symptoms could be produced by an infection of the peripheral ganglia, with infection of the autonomic ganglia causing fatigue, postural hypotension, and sleep disturbances, and infection of the sensory ganglia causing sensory symptoms such as chronic pain. Furthermore, infections of the peripheral ganglia are known to cause long-term nerve dysfunction, which would help explain the chronic course of CFS. Herpesviruses have long been suspected as the cause of CFS; this theory has recently been supported by studies showing that administer...

100 chickenpox cases in Lothian

Scotsman.com News - Health — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

MORE than 100 cases of chickenpox were reported in the Lothians last week, new figures have shown. Statistics issued by Health Protection Scotland revealed there were 126 ins (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Chickenpox Related to Lower Risk of MS in Childhood

Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:50:39 +0100

A paper in the May 15th issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests an association between clinically observed chickenpox and a lower risk of childhood-onset multiple sclerosis. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)

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Clinically Observed Chickenpox and the Risk of Childhood-onset Multiple Sclerosis

American Journal of Epidemiology — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The authors conducted a population-based case-control study to investigate whether clinically observed chickenpox, linked with a level of intensity for clinical expression, increases the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in childhood. The cases were MS patients whose disease onset occurred between 1994 and 2003, before age 16 years, in France. Each case was matched for age, sex, and geographic origin with as many as 12 controls randomly selected from the general population. Information about clinically observed chickenpox in cases and controls before the index date regarding onset of MS was collected with a standardized questionnaire and was checked against health certificates. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio for an association between MS and chickenpox. T...

Hemorrhagic Pericarditis in a child with primary varicella infection (chickenpox).

Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

We report a malnourished 5-year-old girl with chicken pox complicated by hemorrhagic pericarditis and deep vein thrombosis leading to fatal pulmonary thromboembolism. Though varicella infection runs a benign self-limiting course, it continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality when associated with complications, particularly in malnourished children. Hence, the importance of vaccination and early recognition of complications is emphasized. PMID: 19332925 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology)

The basics - Chickenpox in adults and pregnancy

HealthcareRepublic Clinical Articles — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Varicella zoster may require intensive management. By Dr Harry Brown. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Clinical Articles)

Chickenpox Tied to Autoimmune Hepatitis

Medscape Gastroenterology Headlines — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:54:19 +0100

A case report from Saudi Arabia in which a patient with varicella zoster infection went on to develop severe autoimmune hepatitis helps sheds more light on this poorly understood condition. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Gastroenterology Headlines)

Threshold Parameters For A Model Of Epidemic Spread Among Households And Workplaces

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Directly transmissible diseases (like influenza, SARS, measles, chickenpox, and so on) spread primarily through repeated and more intense contacts occurring among people living in the same household or working together. Mathematical models which explicitly take into account the presence of households have been studied in the last 15 years. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Vaccines for post-exposure prophylaxis against varicella (chickenpox) in children and adults; Surgical techniques for uterine incision and uterine closure at the time of caesarean section; Topical treatments for fungal infections of the foot; Interventions for the management of overweight and obese children that include a dietary component.

Journal of Advanced Nursing — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:39:49 +0100

Authors: PMID: 19222646 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Advanced Nursing)

The course and outcome of unilateral intracranial arteriopathy in 79 children with ischaemic stroke

Brain — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Arteriopathies are the commonest cause of arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) in children. Repeated vascular imaging in children with AIS demonstrated the existence of a ‘transient cerebral arteriopathy’ (TCA), characterized by lenticulostriate infarction due to non-progressive unilateral arterial disease affecting the supraclinoid internal carotid artery and its proximal branches. To further characterize the course of childhood arteriopathies, and to differentiate TCA from progressive arterial disease, we studied the long-term evolution of unilateral anterior circulation arteriopathy, and explored predictors of stroke outcome and recurrence. From three consecutive cohorts in London, Paris and Utrecht, we reviewed radiological studies and clinical charts of 79 previously healthy ch...

Quantitative measurement of Varicella Zoster Virus infection using semi-automated flow cytometry.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we have developed a flow cytometry assay to measure the infectivity of the attenuated vaccine strain (Oka/Merck) of VZV in MRC-5 cells with improved throughput. The assay is performed in 96-well tissue culture microtiter plates and is based on the detection and quantification of infected cells expressing VZV glycoproteins on their surface. Multiple assay parameters have been investigated, including specificity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), range of linear response, signal to noise ratio and precision. This novel assay appears to be in good concordance with the classical plaque assay results and therefore provides a viable, higher throughput alternative to the plaque assay. PMID: 19201967 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied and...

Chickenpox vaccine not linked to strokes in children

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Children who have received the chickenpox vaccine are not at risk of stroke or brain inflammation, according to researched published in the February 2009 issue of Pediatrics. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

You're Invited ...to a Chickenpox Party?!

ABC News: Health — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:01:49 +0100

To avoid another vaccination, some parents are turning to chickenpox parties. (Source: ABC News: Health)

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Chickenpox vaccine ‘does not increase stroke risk in children’

MedWire News - Consumer Health — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:55:23 +0100

Results of a large US study show no evidence to suggest that the chickenpox vaccine is associated with an increased risk of stroke in children. (Source: MedWire News - Consumer Health)

Acute cerebellar ataxia in the Netherlands: A study on the association with vaccinations and varicella zoster infection.

Vaccine — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The incidence rates were comparable with other studies. We found no association with MMR, but chickenpox was clearly related to ACA. According to age-specific seroprevalence data the incidence rate of ACA was 5:100,000 VZV infections for children up to 5 years, compared to an ACA-reporting rate of 0.15:100,000 doses VZV-vaccine. Therefore, uptake of VZV-vaccine in the immunization programme will diminish the incidence rate of ACA. PMID: 19186201 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Chickenpox vaccine not tied to strokes in kids

Reuters: Health — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:47:11 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Unlike chickenpox itself, the vaccine against chickenpox does not increase the risk of stroke or brain inflammation in children, according to a large US study reported in the journal Pediatrics. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Performance characteristics of a quantitative, standardised varicella zoster IgG time resolved fluorescence immunoassay (VZV TRFIA) for measuring immunity following natural infection.

Journal of Virological Methods — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chris Maple PA, Gray J, Brown K, Brown D Infection by Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) during pregnancy has been associated with adverse foetal development and more severe disease in the mother. Accurate determination of VZV immunity in pregnant women exposed to VZV, with no history of chickenpox, guides therapeutic interventions. The accepted gold standard assay for the determination of immunity/protection against Varicella Zoster virus was for many years the fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) assay which is labour intensive and subjective. A validated alternative is the Merck glycoprotein EIA (Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, West Point, PA, USA) which reports VZV IgG levels in enzyme units per ml (EU/ml) because an internal, non-international referenc...

Plan for new jab to eradicate chickenpox

Scotsman.com News - Health — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

WOMEN and children could be vaccinated against chickenpox under plans being considered by health officials. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

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Chickenpox jab for all children and pregnant women

the Mail online | Health — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:07:06 +0100

Children and pregnant women could be routinely vaccinated against chickenpox. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Chickenpox jab for all children and pregnant women

the Mail online | Diet — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:07:06 +0100

Children and pregnant women could be routinely vaccinated against chickenpox. (Source: the Mail online | Diet)

Prolonged detection of viral DNA in blood following life-threatening chickenpox in an immunocompromised child.

Journal of Clinical Virology — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Waugh S, Hayden J, Clark J, Saunders D, Taha Y, Taylor C, Valappil M, Bailey S PMID: 19109054 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Varicella in the fetus and newborn

Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Varicella (chickenpox) in pregnancy is unusual because most women of childbearing age are immune. It can, however, cause significant morbidity for the pregnant woman and in rare cases cause congenital varicella syndrome. The incidence of congenital varicella syndrome after maternal varicella during the first two trimesters is (Source: Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine)

Responding to suspected smallpox cases in the Los Angeles County from 2002 to 2006: identifying areas for education.

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:34:44 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Public health investigated 5 suspected smallpox cases in the past 5 years. Two presented initially to EDs. Education differentiating smallpox from chickenpox and collaboration between public health, EDs, and health care providers remains important. The ability to respond rapidly to a potential bioterrorism emergency was tested. PMID: 19041534 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine)

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Varicella zoster virus vaccine live: Rash and chickenpox in immunosuppressed patients: 13 case reports.

Reactions Weekly — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:24:47 +0100

Page: 30 (Source: Reactions Weekly)

Varicella zoster virus vaccine live: Rash and chickenpox in immunosuppressed patients: 13 case reports

Reactions — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 07:58:30 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

[Herpes zoster in old adults.]

Presse Medicale — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lang PO, Belmin J, Michel JP The varicella-zoster virus is an exclusively human herpesvirus, responsible for chickenpox. Its reactivation, after several decades, causes herpes zoster (shingles). Herpes zoster produces a rash, classically metameric, that causes acute pain and complications to elderly patients. The last, most painful, and disabling of these is postherpetic neuralgia. This neuralgia is defined as a painful syndrome lasting for more than 30 days after eruption of the rash. Today's systemic antiviral drugs can reduce the severity of the eruption, limit the pain, and diminish the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia. A recent advance in primary prevention is approval of a vaccine (Zostavax((R))) to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in subjects 60 years...

Pox pops up in Lothians

Scotsman.com News - Health — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

CHICKENPOX has re-emerged in the Lothians following an absence of nearly three months. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Discordant varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein C expression and localization between cultured cells and human skin vesicles.

Virology — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

In this report, we investigated the kinetics of gC expression in more detail and included studies of monolayers inoculated with trypsin dispersed infected cells, the more traditional method of VZV infection. Extensive imaging analyses disclosed that gC was detectable in some inoculum cells, but little gC biosynthesis occurred during the first 48 hpi in the newly infected underlying monolayer. In contrast, during the first 24-48 hpi, expression of VZV gE and gB was easily detectable. Using real-time RT-PCR, we found a delay in accumulation of VZV gC transcripts that paralleled the delay in expression of VZV gC protein. Treatment with hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) increased expression of both gC protein and gC mRNA. HMBA treatment also increased virus titer by 4-fold, but paradoxically r...

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Using Time-Use Data to Parameterize Models for the Spread of Close-Contact Infectious Diseases

American Journal of Epidemiology — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Social contact patterns are a critical explanatory factor of the spread of close-contact infectious agents. Both indirect (via observed epidemiologic data) and direct (via diaries that record at-risk events) approaches to the measurement of contacts by age have been proposed in the literature. In this paper, the authors discuss the possibilities offered by time-use surveys to measure contact patterns and to explain observed seroprevalence profiles. The authors first develop a methodology to estimate time-of-exposure matrices, and then they apply it to time-use data for the United States (1987–2003). Finally, the authors estimate age-specific transmission parameters for varicella, commonly known as "chickenpox," from age-specific time-of-exposure and seroprevalence data (United States...

Comparison of the performance of the LIAISON VZV-IgG and VIDAS automated enzyme linked fluorescent immunoassays with reference to a VZV-IgG time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay and implications of choice of cut-off for LIAISON assay.

Journal of Clinical Virology — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: By dose-response data and in comparison with TRFIA, LIAISON is more sensitive and specific than VIDAS. PMID: 18823815 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

[Varicella pneumonia]

Praxis — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Meylan P, Vollenweider P, Gianinazzi F, Monti M The seroprevalence of chickenpox in countries with temperate climate is very high among young people. Only 4% of the infections occur in adults but the clinical course is usually more severe than in children. In adults, The mortality is approximately 40 times higher and the complication rate 25 times higher than in children. Pneumonia is the most frequent complication in adults and may be extremely severe in immunocompromised patients and in pregnant women. Pneumonia must be promptly treated with intravenous aciclovir. Vaccination is indicated in young seronegative patients with supplemental risk factors for severe complications. It is also effective post exposure, preventing or modifying the illness course in up to 90% of expose...

Perceived Vaccination Status in Ecotourists and Risks of Anthropozoonoses

EcoHealth — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:26:47 +0100

Abstract Anthropozoonotic (human to nonhuman animal) transmission of infectious disease poses a significant threat to wildlife. A large proportion of travelers to tropical regions are not protected against vaccine-preventable illnesses, and a majority of these travelers demonstrate poor recall of actual vaccination status. Here we characterize self-perceived vaccination status among a large sample of ecotourists at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah, Malaysia. Despite their recognized travel itinerary to view endangered animals, tourists at wildlife sanctuaries are not adequately protected against vaccine-preventable illnesses. Of 633 surveys, over half reported being currently vaccinated against tuberculosis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, and measles. F...

Using Time-Use Data to Parameterize Models for the Spread of Close-Contact Infectious Diseases.

Am J Epidemiol — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zagheni E, Billari FC, Manfredi P, Melegaro A, Mossong J, Edmunds WJ Social contact patterns are a critical explanatory factor of the spread of close-contact infectious agents. Both indirect (via observed epidemiologic data) and direct (via diaries that record at-risk events) approaches to the measurement of contacts by age have been proposed in the literature. In this paper, the authors discuss the possibilities offered by time-use surveys to measure contact patterns and to explain observed seroprevalence profiles. The authors first develop a methodology to estimate time-of-exposure matrices, and then they apply it to time-use data for the United States (1987-2003). Finally, the authors estimate age-specific transmission parameters for varicella, commonly known as "chickenpox...

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Corticosteroids/prednisone: Chickenpox-associated fulminant hepatitis and liver failure: case report

Reactions — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:44:54 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Corticosteroids/prednisone: Chickenpox-associated fulminant hepatitis and liver failure: case report.

Reactions Weekly — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:59:08 +0100

Page: 13 (Source: Reactions Weekly)

Chickenpox

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0100

— Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment, prevention of this once common childhood illness. Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Decade Of Chickenpox Vaccination Has Cut Incidence In US By 90 Per Cent

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0100

A study reviewing a decade of chickenpox prevention in the United States found that vaccination has resulted in a dramatic 90 per cent reduction in the disease, but even though the coverage was high, the single dose system did not confer sufficient immunity to stop the disease spreading. Experts are backing the 2-dose system that was introduced in 2006. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

How Important Is the Chickenpox Vaccine?

ABC News: Health — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:15:56 +0100

Doctors urge a two-shot schedule, but some parents won't allow one. (Source: ABC News: Health)

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[NEWS] Two doses of chickenpox vaccine are needed, US figures confirm

BMJ — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: BMJ)

Chickenpox vaccine does a number on the number of cases

USATODAY.com Health — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:14:43 +0100

Cases of chickenpox a childhood infection that was once nearly universal have fallen 57% to 90% in communities across the USA ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Health Canada OKs shingles vaccine for older patients

CTV Health — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:47:07 +0100

Health Canada has approved a vaccine that helps prevent painful shingles outbreaks in older people who had chickenpox earlier in life. (Source: CTV Health)

Canada OKs vaccine to prevent painful shingles in seniors

CBC | Health — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:21:17 +0100

Health Canada has approved a vaccine to help prevent painful singles in people 60 or older who had chickenpox earlier in life. (Source: CBC | Health)

Chickenpox Protection: Get That Booster

MedicineNet Kids Health General — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Chickenpox Protection: Get That BoosterCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/9/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 8/11/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Kids Health General)

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Back-To-School Preparations Must Include Up-To-Date Immunizations, USA

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0100

The Alabama Department of Public Health reminds parents that Alabama law requires children to be up to date on their vaccinations prior to attending school. Vaccinations currently required for school entry are polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type b) vaccine is required for daycare as well. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Varicella zoster virus infection: clinical features, molecular pathogenesis of disease, and latency.

Neurologic Clinics — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:29:35 +0100

This article discusses the clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention of VZV infection and reactivation; pathogenesis of VZV infection; and current research focusing on VZV latency, reactivation, and animal models. PMID: 18657721 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Neurologic Clinics)

Unimmunized Kids Less Likely to Get Chickenpox if Vaccinated After Exposure

Health Behavior News Service — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:47:32 +0100

07/15/08, Cochrane Library (Source: Health Behavior News Service)

Postexposure Vaccination May Reduce Chickenpox Risk in Kids

MedPage Today Pediatrics — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:43:05 +0100

SYDNEY, Australia -- When an unvaccinated child is exposed to chickenpox, immunization within three days reduced the rate of infection by 75% compared with an unvaccinated control group, investigators here reported. (Source: MedPage Today Pediatrics)

Evidence grows for chickenpox and rotavirus vaccines

Pulse — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:14:00 +0100

Evidence appears to be building for the introduction of vaccines against the varicella zoster and rotavirus viruses, which are both being assessed by ministers. (Source: Pulse)

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Unimmunized Kids Less Likely To Get Chickenpox If Vaccinated After Exposure

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:00:00 +0100

"Better late than never" might be a true statement when it comes to vaccinating children for chickenpox, according to a new review of studies. Only 18 percent of children given the vaccine within the 3 days following exposure to chickenpox developed the infection, compared with 78 percent of children who had received an inactive placebo or no vaccine. (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)

Unimmunized Kids Less Likely to Get Chickenpox if Vaccinated After Exposure

Health Behavior News Service — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:47:07 +0100

07/15/08, Cochrane Library (Source: Health Behavior News Service)

Chickenpox vaccine shortage in UAE

Healthcare — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:52:18 +0100

The UAE has a shortage of the vaccine for chickenpox, reported Gulf News. The cause of the shortage is increased demand due to an outbreak in the country. Government healthcare centres have the vaccine in stock, but will only make the vaccine available for high-risk patients, such as those with a lower immune system from illness or surgery. (Source: Healthcare)

Pain Prevention For Older Adults -- The Shingles Vaccine

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0100

A vaccine to prevent shingles -- a painful and common skin rash -- has been available for more than two years, but few people reportedly are vaccinated.The June issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource covers why this vaccine, Zostavax, is recommended for adults over age 60.Nearly everyone in this age group has had chickenpox. And the virus that causes chickenpox, varicella-zoster virus, remains dormant in the body's nerves. (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)

Prevention of Herpes Zoster: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

MMWR Recomm Rep — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This report summarizes the epidemiology of zoster and its sequelae, describes the zoster vaccine, and provides recommendations for its use among adults aged >/=60 years in the United States. Zoster is a localized, generally painful cutaneous eruption that occurs most frequently among older adults and immunocompromised persons. It is caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) decades after initial VZV infection is established. Approximately one in three persons will develop zoster during their lifetime, resulting in an estimated 1 million episodes in the United States annually. A common complication of zoster is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a chronic, often debilitating pain condition that can last months or even years. The risk for PHN in patients with zoster is 10%-...

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Can adult shingles spread directly adult to adult?

NLH Question Answering Service — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:01:48 +0100

The Green Book chapter on varicella [1] states: "Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by the reactivation of the patient's varicella virus. Virus from lesions can be transmitted to susceptible individuals to cause chickenpox but there is no evidence that herpes zoster can be acquired from another individual with chickenpox. (Source: NLH Question Answering Service)

What do children learn about biology from factual information? A comparison of interventions to improve understanding of contagious illnesses.

The British Journal of Educational Psychology — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These findings add to the literature on children's understanding of contagious illnesses and contribute towards discussions on the best approach to health education. PMID: 17535518 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Educational Psychology)

Mycophenolate mofetil in anti-MPO renal vasculitis: an alternative therapy in case of cyclophosphamide or azathioprine toxicity.

Clinical Nephrology — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that MMF could be an alternative therapy for anti-MPO renal vasculitis associated with cyclophosphamide or azathioprine-related toxicity. PMID: 18538114 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Nephrology)

Barriers to vaccination among Japanese medical students: Focus group interviews

Pediatrics International — Fri, 30 May 2008 06:44:13 +0100

Pediatrics International, Volume 50, Issue 3, Page 300-305, June 2008. AbstractBackground: To date, medical schools and clinical training hospitals in Japan that require students to show immunity for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), and hepatitis B prior to the commencement of residency are limited.Methods: ... (Source: Pediatrics International)

More Than 900 Pr. George's Students Lack Vaccines

washingtonpost.com - Health — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

After Prince George's County schools opened in August, more than 2,600 students were banned from class because they lacked vaccinations for chickenpox and hepatitis B. As the academic year nears its close, more than 900 remain barred, a school system spokesman said yesterday. (Source: washingtonpost.com - Health)

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Prevention of shingles: safety and efficacy of live zoster vaccine

Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management — Wed, 21 May 2008 15:09:38 +0100

Dianna Quan1, Randall J Cohrs1, Ravi Mahalingam1, Donald H Gilden1,2Departments of 1Neurology and 2Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USAAbstract: Primary infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox (varicella) after which virus becomes latent in cranial nerve, dorsal root and autonomic ganglia along the entire neuraxis. Virus may later reactivate, causing shingles (zoster), characterized by pain and rash restricted to 1–3 dermatomes. More than 40% of zoster patients over age 60 develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), pain that persists for months to years. The socioeconomic impact of primary varicella infection has been lessened by introduction of VZV vaccine for children. However, the effect of childhood vaccination on the...

Shingles runs in the family

News-Medical News Feed — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:03:00 +0100

Shingles appears when the virus that causes chickenpox, varicella zoster, is reactivated in spinal nerves; most adults carry the varicella zoster virus, but only 10 percent to 30 percent develop shingles. (Source: News-Medical News Feed)

Development Of Shingles Linked To Family History

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Mon, 19 May 2008 20:00:00 +0100

A recent report published in the Archives of Dermatologyfinds that people who have herpes zoster - commonly known as shingles- are more likely tohave family members who also have had the condition.Herpes zoster is a disease characterized by a skin rash with blistersin a specific area or on one side of the body. It is caused when thevirus varicella zoster - the virus that causes chickenpox - becomesreactivated in nerves of the spinal cord. (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)

CDC Recommends ZOSTAVAX®, Merck's Shingles Vaccine, For All Appropriate Adults Aged 60 And Older

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has adopted the unanimous recommendation of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the use of ZOSTAVAX® (Zoster Vaccine Live) for the prevention of shingles in adults aged 60 and older. ZOSTAVAX is the only vaccine to prevent shingles, a frequently painful disease marked by a blistering rash that is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Five-year-old boy dies of chickenpox just days after doctors sent him home

the Mail online | Health — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:04:52 +0100

A boy of five died from chickenpox after doctors told his parents he was fine, it is claimed. Fabio Nunes lost his fight for life when the disease sent his body into multiple organ failure (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Differentiation between vaccine and wild-type varicella-zoster virus genotypes by high-resolution melt analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Journal of Clinical Virology — Mon, 12 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: HRM analysis of SNPs showed that the European B and C genotypes were most prevalent in Australia, with genotypes A and J strains also present. HRM analysis using a dsDNA dye provides a useful tool in classifying varicella-zoster viruses. PMID: 18479962 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

For infants on aspirin following surgery for congenital heart disease what is the evidence for stopping aspirin during illnesses such as chickenpox and starting dipyridamole?

NLH Question Answering Service — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:09:20 +0100

This is a highly complex question. In the absense of obvious guidance we recommend that this question is referred to a specialist medicines information unit. (Source: NLH Question Answering Service)

Presumptive varicella vaccination is warranted in Greek adolescents lacking a history of disease or household exposure

European Journal of Pediatrics — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 18:21:00 +0100

In conclusion, based on our local epidemiologic data, presumptive varicella vaccination should be offered to all adolescents with the exception of the subgroup of adolescents with household exposure. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00431-008-0701-6Authors Alexandra Katsafadou, “Agia Sophia” Childrens’ Hospital Second Pediatric Clinic Goudi, Athens GreeceKonstantina Kallergi, “A. Kyriakou” Childrens’ Hospital Microbiology Department Goudi, Athens GreeceGeorge Ferentinos, Health Center Psahna Psahna Evia Island GreeceTheodora Goulioti, “A. Kyriakou” Childrens’ Hospital Microbiology Department Goudi, Athens GreeceMaria Foustoukou, “A. Kyriakou” Childrens’ Hospital Microbiology Department Goudi, Athens GreeceVassiliki Papaevangelou...

Immunity to Varicella Zoster Virus Among Young Adults: A Decline Prior to Widespread Uptake of Varicella Vaccines

Infection — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:07:17 +0100

Conclusion This decline in the level of immunity must be considered when determining pre- and post-exposure vaccination policy among young adults in crowded environments. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical and Epidemiological StudyDOI 10.1007/s15010-007-7192-7Authors I. Grotto, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Faculty of Health Sciences Beer-Sheva IsraelR. D. Balicer, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Faculty of Health Sciences Beer-Sheva IsraelZ. Smetana, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center Central Virology Laboratory Tel-Hashomer IsraelN. Davidovitch, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Faculty of Health Sciences Beer-Sheva IsraelY. Bar-Zeev, Israel Defense Force Military Corps Army Health Branch Military Post 02149 IsraelE. Mendelson, Ministry of H...

Presumed acute pancreatitis during chickenpox infection in an otherwise healthy male

The Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:52:21 +0100

Manfredi RobertoSaudi Journal of Gastroenterology 2008 14(2):102-103 (Source: The Saudi Journal of Gastroenterology)

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Combo Vaccine Linked To Kids' Convulsions

WDSU.com - Health — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:51:40 +0100

The ProQuad vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox may cause more intense fever symptoms. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Chickenpox Vaccine for My Child?

MedicineNet Skin General — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Chickenpox Vaccine for My Child?Category: Doctor's ViewsCreated: 2/28/2008Last Editorial Review: 2/28/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Skin General)

Chickenpox in varicella IgG positive patients: Experience of a regional paediatric oncology centre

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Aciclovir prophylaxis was previously given to all immunocompromised patients treated by our unit, following contact with varicella zoster. In 2003, we changed practice according to National Guidelines, giving prophylaxis only to patients without serum varicella zoster immunoglobulin G antibody (VZ IgG) at diagnosis of their malignancy. Since then we have seen nine patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and VZ IgG positivity at diagnosis of their malignancy develop chickenpox. Our observations question current practice for patients with ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Allergic rhinitis, chickenpox, constipation, dental abscess and menopause

NeLM Headline News — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The following Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS, formerly Prodigy) have been reviewed and converted to the Topic Review structure: • Allergic rhinitis • Chickenpox • Constipation • Dental abscess • Menopause (Source: NeLM Headline News)

Rheumatoid arthritis raises risk for shingles

Reuters: Health — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:35:49 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of herpes zoster, or shingles, a painful skin condition caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, according to research on more than 160,000 individuals with RA. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Are there any guidelines regarding flying and chickenpox?

NLH Question Answering Service — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:31:44 +0100

NHS Direct report [1]"If your child has chickenpox, they may not be allowed to fly during the infectious stage (two days before the rash appears until roughly five days after). This is because the air conditioning systems in aeroplane cabins allow germs to circulate easily, and the chickenpox infection can be very dangerous for people with AIDS, a lowered immune system, and pregnant women. (Source: NLH Question Answering Service)

Mayo Clinic Article Offers Data About Shingles Virus

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:33:13 +0100

When a vaccine to prevent shingles was approved for use in 2006, the Food and Drug Administration recommended the vaccine for people age 60 and older who previously had chickenpox. But two issues -- the vaccine's cost and the perception that shingles primarily affects adults with weakened immune systems -- have left some physicians undecided about whether healthy adults need the vaccine. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Exposition to chickenpox of two children with autoinflammatory syndromes under treatment with anakinra

Rheumatology International — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:27:06 +0100

We report two children with autoinflammatory syndromes treated with anakinra who came in contact with the varicella-zoster virus after being exposed accidentally to infected children: both cases were managed prophylactically with specific antichickenpox intravenous immunoglobulins and anakinra temporary suspension; neither adverse events nor complications related to the natural course of chickenpox were experienced by the two patients. The risk of developing infectious events should be closely monitored, because of the absence of data concerning long-term safety of biological agents in the pediatric age, and prevention strategies should be highly encouraged before they are started. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00296-007-0515-2Authors Donato Rigante...

From muscular dystrophy to chickenpox

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:23:15 +0100

Thomas Sanjeev VAnnals of Indian Academy of Neurology 2007 10(4):197-197 (Source: Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology)

Neurological complications of chickenpox

Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:23:15 +0100

Girija AS, Rafeeque M, Abdurehman KPAnnals of Indian Academy of Neurology 2007 10(4):240-246 (Source: Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology)

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Another injection?

Nursing Standard — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Moore A A national vaccination programme against chickenpox has been recommended by researchers, but its implementation may be difficult. PMID: 18240801 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Nursing Standard)

[Postvaricella cerebellar ataxia in children in Costa Rica.]

Anales de Pediatria — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: PVCA is usually associated with a favorable prognosis; however, neurological sequelae can occur. The real utility of acyclovir treatment and brain imaging studies in these children remains controversial. PMID: 18194628 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Anales de Pediatria)

Health disparities in chickenpox or shingles in Alberta?

Canadian Journal of Public Health — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Publicly funded vaccination programs may effectively contribute to reduction in disease disparities for vaccine-preventable diseases. Further study is required to ascertain why disparities continue for First Nations children. PMID: 18435390 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Canadian Journal of Public Health)

New father, 37, dies after catching chicken pox

the Mail online | Health — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 01:09:20 +0100

A new father has died after catching the common children's virus chickenpox at the age of 37. University technician Geraint Hughes had been ill for a week, but doctors told his wife that the condition was rarely fatal (Source: the Mail online | Health)

New father, 37, killed after catching chicken pox

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:00:36 +0100

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Study Focuses on Shingles Virus And Vaccine

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0100

Shingles virus and vaccination

News-Medical News Feed — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:30:00 +0100

Mayo Clinic Proceedings Article Offers New Data About the Impact of the Shingles Virus on Healthy Adults

Drugs.com - Clinical Trials — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:05:16 +0100

ROCHESTER, Minn., December 12, 2007 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When a vaccine to prevent shingles was approved for use in 2006, the Food and Drug Administration recommended the vaccine for people age 60 and older who previously had chickenpox. But... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)

Mayo Clinic article offers data about shingles virus

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100