Eric Zhong D17C 10/14/11 Infectious Disease (Extra credit paper) Infectious Disease – A disease caused by a microorganism or other agent, such as a bacterium, fungus, or virus, which enters the body of an organism. Chickenpox (Varicella Zoster infection) The cause of chickenpox is caused by a virus called Varicella Zoster. Varicella Zoster is one of 8 herpes viruses knows to infect people it’s common for kids but more dangerous for adults. It is known to spread mostly to kids at the age of 3-10 years old it can causes itchy rash, red spots or blisters all over their bodies.

It’s not a serious health issue to kid but if you’re an adult it can cause major issues it can be severe or even fatal. Chickenpox for adults can cause these minor issues such as skin or soft tissue infection, bones infection, joint infections and toxic shock syndrome. The more serious issues are infection to the brain and bleeding problems. For kids it is a more minor issue like fever, headache, sore throat and mostly itching. The vector of chickenpox can easily be speeded by sneezing, coughing, sharing foods or liquids. Also by touching the chicken pox blisters.

The person who has chickenpox can spread the virus before he/she has it from 2-3 days before the pox rash appears. It can be stopped when all the blisters are covered or when the skin has hardened. If you never had the chickenpox and someone close to you lives with you that have it you have a high chance of getting the pox because of close contact. Unless you get the vaccine shot for chickenpox you are at risk. The incubation period of the chickenpox can last from 5-20 days. There are 4 stages of chickenpox. The first stage is sickness fever, coughing, body aches and shivering.

This is before the spots appear and also the rash. The second stage is when the pox rash appears, it appears of the face, body, arms and legs about 100-300 pox spots. That’s when the itching starts. Third stage is when the pox starts filling puss fluids inside. The fourth and final stage is when the pox pop and leave blisters after that it harden into a crust and then scabs. You have to take care of your body or you can get the pox scars. Treatments for the pox can be Tylenol which reduces the fever and pain aches. Oatmeal bath, anti-itching cream or lotion to reduce the itching.

But the most use for the case of the pox is Acyclovir known as Zovirax it is and antiviral medication to reduce the effect of infections. It has been shown the most effective when used. Or just trim your nails and avoid scratching. The way you can prevent the spread of the pox is to know when you’re getting it first. If you feel ill like fever vomiting headaches or body pain it can be the start of the pox. Stay home avoid any physical contact with others especially close people that live you. And of course cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing if you have the pox.