Prevention and Control of Varicella-Zoster Infections in Healthcare Facilities

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of two diseases: varicella (chickenpox) and zoster (shingles). Although varicella generally is a mild disease in children, serious morbidity and mortality are common if infection occurs in neonates, pregnant women, adults, or immunocompromised pati...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Infection control and hospital epidemiology 1996-10, Vol.17 (10), p.694-705
Main Authors: Weber, David J., Rutala, William A., Hamilton, Holli
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of two diseases: varicella (chickenpox) and zoster (shingles). Although varicella generally is a mild disease in children, serious morbidity and mortality are common if infection occurs in neonates, pregnant women, adults, or immunocompromised patients. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all the hospitals institute control measures. Healthcare workers should be screened for VZV immunity and, if susceptible, should receive the recently licensed Oka/Merck vaccine (unless contraindicated). This article reviews nosocomial outbreaks associated with VZV and provides detailed algorithms for preexposure immunization and postexposure management of healthcare workers exposed to VZV.
ISSN:0899-823X
1559-6834
DOI:10.1086/647206