Dear Campus Community,
I am writing to let you know that the University of Oregon Health Center is evaluating a suspected case of chickenpox for a student with whom you may attend class.
Why is this important?
Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness and fever. Chickenpox can be serious, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems such as pregnant women. It may spread easily from infected people to others who have never had chickenpox or who have not received the chickenpox vaccine.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
Symptoms typically appear 10-21 days after exposure to someone with the virus. A person is contagious usually 1 to 2 days before the onset of the rash and continuing until all lesions are crusted (usually about 5 days).
Chickenpox starts as a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over. The rash may first appear on the face, chest, back then spread to the rest of the body, including inside the mouth or eyelids and around the genitals.
Other symptoms that may appear a day or two before the rash include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and headache. Chickenpox lasts about 5-10 days.
Am I at risk?
You are at risk if you were not vaccinated for chickenpox or have not had chickenpox. If you are at risk of infection, there are steps you can take.
What actions should I take?
If you have symptoms of chickenpox, seek medical care. University of Oregon students should call the University Health Center (UHC) at (541) 346-2770 BEFORE COMING TO UHC. Please let UHC staff know that you have possible symptoms of chickenpox or have been in contact with someone who has a suspected or confirmed chickenpox infection. We will arrange to take care of you while reducing the risk of exposing other patients.
If you don't feel sick and have never been vaccinated for chickenpox, please contact your medical provider to schedule an appointment or to ask questions. University of Oregon students should access the
UHC Patient Portal in order to schedule an appointment for a Varicella vaccine.
The varicella vaccine can be effective in preventing illness or modifying the severity of illness if used within 3 days or possibly within 5 days following exposure.
Preventing the spread of chickenpox
Chickenpox spreads in the air through coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by touching or breathing in the virus particles that come from chickenpox blisters.
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to have received two doses of the varicella vaccine. Children, adolescents and adults should have two doses of varicella vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As mentioned above, the varicella vaccine can be effective in preventing illness or modifying the severity of illness if used within 3 days or possibly within 5 days following exposure.
The varicella vaccine is safe and effective at preventing the disease. Most people who get the vaccine will not get chickenpox. If a vaccinated person does contract chickenpox, it is usually mild—with fewer blisters and mild or no fever. The varicella vaccine prevents almost all cases of severe disease.
For exposed individuals who cannot receive a varicella vaccine, Varicella-Immune Globulin (VZIG) may be effective in modifying or preventing chickenpox, if given as soon as possible after exposure.
Resources for more info
Sincerely,
Dr. Richard Brunader
Medical Director, University Health Center
University of Oregon
