Resources for TV Writers and Producers
-
More Information
- National Immunization Program
- The National Immunization Hotline:
1-800-232-2552 (English)
1-800-232-0233 (Spanish)
|
|
Are you a writer or producer working on a
current TV or film project? Chickenpox (Varicella)
What's the Problem?
Chickenpox is an acute, contagious disease caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. The average incubation period is 14 to 16 days from exposure, after which a characteristic itchy rash develops and forms blisters that dry and become scabs in four to five days.
Group A Streptococcus infection is a potentially dangerous complication of chickenpox. It causes common childhood diseases such as severe strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis), skin sores (impetigo) and even severe, life-threatening invasive disease such as a type of toxic-shock syndrome. It has been called the "flesh-eating bacteria" when it results in certain tissue infections, called necrotizing fasciitis. These infections usually occur in the arm or leg, and the infected tissue must be cut out. No other treatment is effective.
Who's at Risk?
Adults and children can get chickenpox. Adults may have one to two days of fever and malaise before developing a rash, but in children the rash is often the first sign of disease—usually first on the scalp, then the trunk of the body and then the extremities. Children generally feel ill, itch, and run a fever up to 102° for two to three days. Adults may have a more severe disease and a higher incidence of complications. The greatest numbers of cases occur in the late winter and the spring.
Chickenpox can have serious complications and lead to dangerous, life-threatening disease. Before a chickenpox vaccine was available, approximately 100 children died from chickenpox complications every year. Between 6,500 and 10,000 children were hospitalized, some with lingering effects. Approximately two-thirds of total hospitalizations for chickenpox occur among children.
Despite the licensing of a vaccine in 1995 and the availability of antiviral medication since the early 1980s, deaths related to chickenpox continue to occur in the U.S.
Can It Be Prevented?
Yes. There is a vaccine to prevent chickenpox. However, during 1998, only about 34 percent of children 19 to 35 months old had been immunized against chickenpox. Many people, including some parents and health care providers, perceive chickenpox to be a mild illness that need not be prevented through vaccination. Some physicians and health care providers disagree with the recommendations or suggest waiting until a child reaches adolescence to offer the vaccine if that child has not yet had the disease.
Tips for Scripts
EDUCATE viewers about the serious complications and even death that can result from chickenpox.
INFORM parents that all children should be vaccinated against chickenpox between 12 and 18 months of age. All older susceptible
children (those who have not been vaccinated or do not have natural immunity), adolescents, and adults should be vaccinated as well if they have
never had chickenpox.
Case Examples
1. A young teacher who never had chickenpox was exposed to several children in her classroom with chickenpox. She ultimately comes down with the disease and dies.
2. Two children in a child care center are diagnosed with chickenpox. One suffers from complications, including a Group A Streptococcus infection that causes his flesh to deteriorate at the site of infection. Many parents panic and pull their children from the center. The day care center tries to allay their concerns until health officials discover that the children share toys and even place some plastic "toy food" in their mouths. Special meetings with health officials and day care workers are held and the community promotes chickenpox vaccines for young children. The child with the "flesh-eating" condition undergoes several surgeries while the other child is treated for a milder abcess condition
Page last modified on July 23, 2003