Varicella encephalitis

Varicella or chickenpox is a common, generally benign contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The high degree of communicability of chickenpox during early childhood (generally 2-8 years of age) can be appreciated by the presence of protective antibodies in 85-90% of children. Although considered to be a mild disease, reported cases of severe and life-threatening complications such as encephalitis have been reported. Treatment involves the use of antiviral agents such as acyclovir. The role of the nurse in the care of the child with varicella encephalitis is to assist a family toward a sense of structure and feeling of helping through prearranged teaching times, structured communication and promoting family involvement in every facet of the child's recovery.