[Chickenpox: varicella pneumonia in adults]

Two patients, a man aged 33 years and a woman aged 30, suffered from a varicella zoster induced pneumonia. In adults a varicella zoster infection may be accompanied by a very severe pneumonia. In one patient mechanical ventilation was necessary. A chest X-ray and blood gas analysis must be made in adults suffering from a varicella zoster virus infection who have pulmonary complaints. In case of abnormalities in one of these two examinations the patient must be observed in a clinical setting. The pneumonia can be treated with aciclovir.