...Epidemiology: Chickenpox The Varicella-Zoster virus causes a very infectious disease called Chickenpox. Chickenpox is usually acquired through the inhalation of airborne respiratory droplets from an infected host. Chickenpox is primarily acquired during childhood , with more than 90% of all reported cases occurring in children under the age of 10. A person with chickenpox can spread the virus without even showing any signs or symptoms. It is usually most easily transmitted two to three days before a rash appears and keeps that high transmission rate until the blisters have crusted over. The following paper provides a detailed description of Chickenpox and the determinants of health contributing to the development of the disease. The epidemiologic triangle is used to explain the relationships among an agent, a host and the environment. The paper also addresses the role of the community health nurse in Chickenpox management and discusses the role of one national organization in the fight against the spread of Chickenpox. Description of Chickenpox Chickenpox is an infection caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. It is considered contagious and is characterized by a itchy rash and appears like blisters all over the body . It occurs most frequently in children between the ages of five and eight years old and is transmitted so easily that the majority of the population will catch the disease at some point in their childhood. Chickenpox can be transmitted by coming into contact...
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...Epidemiology of Chickenpox Erica N. Huckaby Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V February 28, 2016 Epidemiology of Chickenpox Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health related states or events in specified populations and the application of this study to control health problems (Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary, 2012). Epidemiology can be applied to any disease. It has helped to develop the methodology used in research and public health. For the purpose of this paper, we will explore the childhood illness chickenpox, the factors that contribute to it’s development, the epidemiological triangle, and the role of the community health nurse as related to reporting and follow-up of cases. Description of Chickenpox Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the herpes virus, HHV3.4 or varicella zoster virus (Lowth, 2013). Chickenpox is mainly considered a childhood illness but can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms In children the illness generally begins with fever and malaise followed by development of papules on the skin. The day following the first fever a rash often appears on the face and scalp. Within the next 24 hours more papules appear as the first ones turn into vesicles. The rash generally will spread to the trunk, abdomen and limbs. Vesicles can be so few that they go unnoticed and leave the virus undiagnosed or they can cover the entire body including the mucous membranes. The course...
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...Epidemiology Paper- Chicken Pox Grand Canyon University Community/Public Health Nursing NRS-427V August 8, 2015 Chicken Pox or Varicella is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus that causes a blister like itchy rash all over the body. The rash is the disclosing indication of chicken pox (Mayo Clinic 2015). While signs and symptoms of chicken pox will usually appear one to two days prior to the rash, the rash itself will last from five to ten days. The symptoms that appear before the rash are headache, fever, general malaise, cough and loss of appetite. There are three phases of rash once it appears; Phase 1 red or pink papules all over the body for several days; Phase 2 The papules turn into vesicles or fluid filled blisters for the period of one day, the vesicles then break and leak; Phase 3 the vesicles scab and become crusted over then take a few more days to heal. There is the possibility to have all three phases of the disease (papules, vesicles and scabs) appearing at one time, as the papules in the beginning, tend to appear for several days. If one is infected with chicken pox, the virus can be spread for 48 hours prior to breaking out in the papules. The patient will then stay contagious until all of the vesicles have scabbed over (Mayo Clinic 2015). The disease itself is mild for most people, but a vaccination is available and a very effective and safe way to prevent chicken pox and its complications. Varicella spreads very...
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...Epidemiology of Chickenpox Karissa N. Martinez Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V 05/16/2014 Epidemiology of Chickenpox This essay was written to explain the epidemiology of chickenpox and allow the reader to develop a better understanding of the disease. The author intended for the reader to become informed about the causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment and mortality and morbidity rates. Also, the reader will become familiar with the determinants of health and contributing factors to develop varicella, the relation of the epidemiologic triangle, the role of the community health nurse, as well as identify a national organization that reduces the impact of the disease on the community. Chickenpox also known as varicella is a highly infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. Varicella zoster can cause two illnesses, the first is chickenpox and the second illness is herpes zoster also known as shingles. Transmission of this highly infectious disease is spread through droplet exposure and contact with fluid from blister like vesicles. Examples of exposure through droplets are sneezing, coughing and oral secretions inhaled causing infection to the new host. Chickenpox is easily spread two to three days before the rash appears and is contagious until all the vesicles are scabbed over (WebMD, 2013). Symptoms tend to develop fourteen to sixteen days after exposure; around day ten after the first symptom is when the blisters crust...
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...The Epidemiology of Chickenpox The Epidemiology of Chickenpox Epidemiology can be defined as the study of health patterns and causes within a given population. The nursing field that works with these populations to identify causes and preventative measures is known as public health nursing or community nursing. These nurses seek to identify specific data that help a targeted population deal with the incidence and prevalence of certain conditions (Mauer, Smith, F, 2013). Just like any other disease, chickenpox has its own unique epidemiology, which will be explained in further detail throughout this paper. The epidemiologic triangle is applied to chickenpox as well. With the triad, an agent brings the disease, in this case chickenpox, to a susceptible host. These two factors, the host and agent, are brought together in a environment, the third factor, that is able to support the transmission of chickenpox (CDC, 2012). The virus that causes chickenpox is known as the varicella-zoster virus. This virus also is the cause of shingles. While symptoms may be mild and cause a general discomfort in children, the effects are more severe outside of childhood. Symptoms include a generalized fatigue, fever and a rash that is accompanied by pruritus. The fever may be present for a few day and range in temperature from 100.7 to 102.2. The lesions that accompany this disease, and which are its trademark, can be found in varying developmental stages over the patient’s...
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...Chickenpox a Communicable Disease Cynthia Hahn Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V July 5, 2015 Chickenpox is an infection caused by the highly contagious varicella-zoster virus. A common communicable disease which can be a harmless or deadly disease depending on the community which is affected. Education and healthcare prevention will prove evident in the control of the spread of the chickenpox disease. Chickenpox is an airborne disease which is spread by coughing and sneezing of an infected person or direct contact with skin lesions. The initial symptoms of chickenpox are a fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache and a sore throat. A red skin rash appears a few days after the initial symptoms and forms small, itchy blisters. “After a chickenpox red spot appears, it usually takes about 1 or 2 days for the spot to go through all its stages, this includes blistering, bursting, drying and crusting over. New red spots will appear every day for up to 5 to 7 days” (Chickenpox (Varicella)-Topic Overview, n.d.). The rash initially appears on the face, back and chest to quickly cover the body including mucous membranes such as the mouth, genital area or in the ears. These symptoms will begin ten to twenty-one days after exposure to a contagious person. The virus can be spread by a person who is infected with chickenpox before symptoms even appear and until all blisters have crusted over...
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...Running head: CHICKENPOX: WHAT IS IT'S FUTURE Chickenpox: What is It's future Christine Hinman Grand Canyon University Chickenpox: What is It's future When one mentions chickenpox in this generation, the normal person tends to think that chickenpox is eradicated. The 20th Century generation tends to think that the chickenpox virus has been eradicated. The origins of the chickenpox virus can be dated back to Babylonian times. Progression of the virus was nonexistent many generations ago. In fact, there was no medical progression available to treat chickenpox. Many complications occurred due to the spreading all the disease very quickly due to the lack a medical treatment. 30 years ago, Technology, medical research and clinical advancements help to break the chain all this communicable disease. Prevention a medical treatment within the last 30 years has helped Society literally eradicate chickenpox. OVERVIEW The varicella -zoster virus is extremely contagious to the human population. Chickenpox attacks the human nervous system resulting in severe skin lesions, fever, headache itching, and malaise. The incubation period is usually 14 to 21 days following exposure. The host is usually contagious for up to five days prior to the appearance of the rash and remains contagious up until the rash has scabbed over. Varicella is transmitted via contact and droplets. The virus is usually passed on to individuals when they come into...
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...Communicable Disease: Chickenpox Grand Canyon University: NRS 427v December 10, 2014 Communicable Disease: Chickenpox The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010) defines a communicable disease as “an illness caused by an infectious agent or its toxins that occurs through the direct or indirect transmission of the infectious agent or its products from an infected individual or via an animal, vector or the inanimate environment to a susceptible animal or human host.” There are numerous communicable diseases being studied, treated, prevented, and diagnosed around the world. For the purpose of this paper, one communicable disease in particular will be examined, chickenpox. This paper will address chickenpox as a communicable disease, determinants of health leading to chickenpox, how chickenpox relates to the epidemiologic triangle, the role of the community nurse in their treatment and prevention of chickenpox, and organizations involved on the national level. Epidemiology Chickenpox is a reaction to a virus by the name of varicella-zoster virus. The varicella-zoster virus is also known to cause a reaction called shingles later in the adult life. Chickenpox causes patients to have an itchy blister-like rash. Other symptoms that are a fever, sleepiness, decrease in appetite, and headache (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). These symptoms can develop a day or two before the rash (CDC, 2012). Chickenpox can spread easily from an infected...
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...Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus. It is transmitted from person to person by direct touching the blisters, saliva, or mucus of an infected person and through air by coughing and sneezing. Chickenpox is characterized by an itchy rash on the face, scalp, and trunk with pink spots and tiny fluid- filled blisters that dry and become scabs four to five days later. The incubation of chickenpox is ten to twenty-one days and the disease is contagious 1 to two days before the appearance of the rash until the blisters have dried and become scabs ( CDC, 2011). Approximately four million people get this disease every year and it is commonly seen in children and mos frequently in the late winter and early spring. The symptoms includes a sudden onset of low-grade fever, feeling tiredness, and weak followed by itchy blister like rash all over the body. The other symptoms are low appetite, muscle and joint pain, feeling ill, and it appears fourteen to sixteen days after the exposure to someone with chickenpox. Mild or asymptomatic infections occur in children but it is more serious in infants and adults. Chickenpox is life threatening to infants and adults and those who have impaired immune system ( Maurer & Smith, p.212, 2012). Fetal effects are rare congenital symptoms which presence as congenital vericella syndrome with infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, low birth weight, extremity atrophy, scarring of the skin...
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...Communicable Disease Chickenpox Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS-427V May 01, 2016 Communicable Disease Chickenpox Here is some background on varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox and Shingles used to be considered two different diseases, but they are both caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) ("CDC chickenpox," 2016). Varicella is the primary infection that causes the chickenpox and the herpes zoster is the virus that lays dormant in the host until reactivation and causes shingles. About 70-90% of all chickenpox cases that are reported occur in children under the age of 10 years old ("CDC chickenpox," 2016). Before the vaccine was introduced in March of 1995, there were 4 million cases of the chickenpox reported every year and since the introduction of the vaccine this number has decreased by 90% ("CDC chickenpox," 2016). If a person has the chickenpox and they cough or sneeze they can spread the disease. They release tiny droplets that will carry the virus. If they do this around someone that has never had the virus and didn’t get their immunizations as a child there is a possibility for that person to inhale the virus and contract the virus. When the virus is inhaled it enters the lungs and then will pass into the blood stream. It then is carried to the skin and causes the typical chickenpox rash. The chickenpox are very contagious. It can be spread by airborne, droplet, and direct contact with an infected person...
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...Chickenpox Pamela Nauerth Grand Canyon University April 20, 2014 Chickenpox Varicella infection, commonly known as Chickenpox, is a member of the herpes virus group. Varicella has the capacity to stay latent in the human source. It stays in the sensory nerve ganglia and the recurrent infection is called Herpes Zoster or Shingles. This essay gives the description, causes, symptoms, mode of transmission and the treatment of varicella. It describes the mortality, morbidity, incidence and prevalence of the disease. It explains the determinants of health and how they contribute to the development of varicella. This essay discusses the epidemiologic triangle and how it relates to chickenpox. It explains the role of the community health nurse regarding their case findings, reporting, data collecting, data analysis and the follow-up related to chickenpox. It identifies on great national agency that addresses the virus and describes contributes to resolving and reducing the impact of the disease. Varicella was confused with smallpox until the late eighteenth century. Rudolf Steiner was scientist who discovered that varicella virus was caused by an infectious agent in 1875. Steiner removed fluid from the blisters of chickenpox and put it on the skin of volunteers that were healthy. It resulted in the volunteers to contract the virus (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). The symptoms of the virus develop about 15 days after being exposed to an...
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...progression of the disease. The epidemiologic triangle, as it relates to Varicella, will be examined, including host factors, absence or presence of agent factors, along with environmental influences. The role of the community health nurse will be discussed as related to case finding, data collecting, reporting, data analysis, and follow-up. Lastly, a national agency or organization will be revealed that addresses chicken pox, and how it contributes to resolving or reducing the impact of the disease on the public. The infectious disease of varicella, or chicken pox, is very contagious. A virus named varicella-zoster causes it. Furthermore, chickenpox can also be spread from those who have shingles. Since the same virus causes shingles, caution should be taken since an individual with shingles can infect those who have never had chickenpox, or those who have not been vaccinated against the disease. People most at risk to contract the disease are those who have not had the disease before, or received chicken pox vaccine. People who contract the virus can expect it to last anywhere from five to ten days. The most common indication of the infectious disease is a rash the turns in to an outbreak of fluid-filled blisters that frequently itch profusely, and ultimately scab over. The timeframe of being contagious to others ranges from one to two days...
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...This paper will give an overview of the varicella-zoster virus. This paper will also discuss the detriments of health from the chickenpox virus. The epidemiologic triangle will be outlined as it depicts the chickenpox virus. The aspect of the community health nurse will be discussed and information on a national organization for infectious diseases will be provided. Chicken pox and shingles are caused by the virus varicella-zoster. The varicella-zoster virus is spread through the air by coughing or sneezing and can also be spread by touching the blisters or inhaling particles from the blisters ("CDC," n.d.). Chicken pox (varicella) is a highly contagious virus. The reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus) is called shingles. It usually is dominant in the nervous system for years or decades. Shingles (varicella-zoster) is spread through direct contact with fluid from the blisters and causes chickenpox if the person who comes in contact with the fluid from the blisters has never had the virus ("CDC," n.d.). Early symptoms of chickenpox may include fever, fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite and body aches with the appearance of itchy red rash usually occurs one to two days later. The rash usually last about five to ten days and heals with scabs ("National Foundation for Infectious Diseases," n.d.). Shingles symptoms are manifested as a painful vesicle filled rash to one side of the body. This usually occurs on the trunk or face. Numbness...
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...The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a DNA virus that causes chickenpox, is one of eight herpesviruses that can infect humans (Arvin 2008). Chickenpox is a contagious disease with symptoms of itchy red rashes (which can lead to skin infections) fatigue, and a fever (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2011). VZV causes chickenpox by entering into the respiratory tract and multiplying in the lungs and in regional lymph nodes. After the primary infection of the chickenpox, the virus goes dormant in the nerves and then the immune system stops responding to it. However, VZV can reactivate to cause herpes zoster to appear many years later (also known as shingles which has similar but mild symptoms to chickenpox) (Nagel and Gilden 2007). The immune system responses to the primary varicella-zoster virus by, first, using the innate immune system with the release antiviral cytokines and activation of the NK cells (Arvin 2008). In response, the NK cells release IFN-γ (a pro-inflammatory cytokines), which...
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...Communicable disease is defined as “an infectious disease transmissible (as from person to person) by direct contact with an affected individual or the individual’s discharges or by indirect means (as by a vector) (Merriam-Webster, 2015).” Chickenpox is considered a common childhood illness and is usually seen in children that are younger than 10 years of age. “Varicella is an acute infectious disease caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). The recurrent infection (herpes zoster, also known as shingles) has been recognized since ancient times (CDC, 2015).” Chickenpox, varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a DNA type of the herpes virus that is a highly contagious disease. The VZV is spread through direct contact of the virus by coughing or sneezing causing it to be airborne and by direct contact with saliva, mucus and blisters from someone who is currently infected. The blisters that have dried or crusted over do not transmit the disease. Once VZV enters the body by way of the respiratory tract and conjunctiva it replicates and is then transmitted by way of the lymph node. Shingles are a latent form of chickenpox and is generally seen is older adults, and have a similar appearance as VZV that are highly infectious to a person that has not been immunized or previously infected by VZV. Symptoms of VZV appear between 10 to 21 days after exposure. These symptoms are sudden onset of a fever, tiredness; they have no desire to eat that is loss of appetite and a...
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