Varicella-related deaths among adults--United States, 1997

During January-April 1997, state health departments reported three fatal cases of varicella (chickenpox) to CDC. All three cases occurred in young adult women who were unvaccinated and susceptible to varicella and who were infected by exposure to unvaccinated preschool-aged children with typical cases of varicella. This report summarizes these three cases, which indicate that preventable varicella-related deaths continue to occur in the United States. In addition, the report re-emphasizes the recommended strategies for preventing varicella.