Traveller vaccination varicella

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Varicella
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]

Overview

Protection against varicella is not specific to the needs of travellers. In some countries varicella vaccine is routinely administered in childhood. Travellers missing such vaccination may be offered immunization according to national recommendations.

Disease cause

The highly contagious varicella zoster virus.

Transmission

Through droplets, aerosol and by direct and indirect contact.

Nature of the disease

Varicella is mostly a mild disease of childhood but may be more serious in adults. The disease is characterized by fever and malaise followed by an itchy, vesicular rash. Varicella may be severe or fatal in newborns and in immunocompromised individuals. Following infection varicella zoster virus remains latent in neural ganglia and may cause zoster upon subsequent reactivation.

Geographical distribution

Worldwide

Risk for travellers

As for the general population.

Vaccine

Live attenuated: often available in fixed combination with vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella.