Varicella infections in children: a case series of severe disease from a single institution

Abstract

Introduction: Varicella zoster is a highly contagious virus that causes chickenpox which is usually a mild self-limiting childhood disease. It can however result in a spectrum of complicated conditions which are associated with high morbidity and mortality especially in the immunocompromised.

Case: We present a series of 3 cases of severe forms of varicella: congenital varicella syndrome, neonatal varicella and disseminated varicella that presented to our facility in one year.

Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent morbidity and mortality from varicella infections. Vaccination is an important public health intervention that can protect high risk groups.