Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Epidemiology Unit

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Varicella (chickenpox) is a vaccine preventable generalized rash illness caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). VZV also causes shingles (herpes zoster), a localized rash in persons who have already had varicella, and breakthrough disease, a varicella-like rash that occurs in vaccinated persons more than 42 days after vaccination. Susceptible persons may develop varicella after being exposed to wild-type varicella, shingles or breakthrough disease. The varicella vaccine is the best protection against the disease.

• Varicella Basics
  General information about varicella including disease description, complications, vaccine and treatment
• Varicella Reporting
  All individual cases of primary infection with varicella and breakthrough varicella should be reported to the District Health Department or Georgia Department of Public Health. Here, you will find out more about how to report suspect varicella cases.
• Varicella Case Report Form
• Varicella Laboratory Testing: Collection and Submission Guidelines
  Information on how to collect and submit a varicella specimen to the Georgia Public Health Laboratory
• Varicella Surveillance and Control
• Varicella Outbreak and Control Manual
• Action Table for Varicella Outbreak Investigation and Control
• Outbreak and Control Recommendations for Schools and Daycare Centers
• Varicella section in CDC's Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, 4th Edition (2009).
  ATTN: Non-DPH Website
• Varicella Resources
• Q&A fact sheet for parents and caregivers
• Vaccine Information
  CDC MMR Vaccine Information Statement