Varicella outbreak in a residential home
F Enright1, B Mc Mahon, A Washington
1Children's Sunshine Home, Foxrock, Dublin.
Irish Medical Journal
|August 9, 2006
Summary
Varicella (chickenpox) outbreaks in children with severe disabilities have higher complication and hospitalization rates. Vaccination and notification should be prioritized for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Varicella (chickenpox) poses significant risks to individuals with severe physical and learning disabilities.
- Residential settings for children with disabilities are vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the incidence, complication, and hospitalization rates of varicella in a residential facility for children with severe disabilities.
- To compare these rates with the general population to highlight the increased risk.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case study of a varicella outbreak in a residential home.
- Analysis of varicella cases among 29 children (aged 4-16 years) with severe physical and learning disabilities.
- Comparison of complication and hospitalization rates with general population statistics.
Main Results:
- All 15 non-immune children contracted varicella within 30 days.
- The complication rate was 9/15 (60%), three times higher than in the general population.
- The hospitalization rate was 5/15 (33.3%), significantly exceeding the general population rate (1-5 per 1,000).
Conclusions:
- Varicella vaccination guidelines should include all non-immune individuals with severe disabilities.
- Varicella should be a notifiable disease in severely physically disabled populations.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (vaccination within 3 days) is recommended for exposed children with severe disabilities.
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