Context:
Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology scientists, have for the first time in the country, found the presence of Clade 9 variant of varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- Varicella Zoster Virus
- Key Facts about Chickenpox
Varicella Zoster Virus Overview:
- Type of Virus: Varicella Zoster Virus is a herpes virus responsible for causing chickenpox, a common childhood illness.
- Human Exclusive: It is an exclusively human virus and falls under the α-herpesvirus family.
- Global Presence: The virus is present worldwide and is highly contagious.
- Primary Infection: Initial exposure to this virus results in acute varicella or “chickenpox,” typically seen in children.
- Complications: Infections can potentially progress to central nervous system involvement and severe complications.
Key Facts about Chickenpox:
- Highly Contagious: Chickenpox is an extremely contagious disease.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include an itchy, blister-like rash, among others.
- Rash Progression: The rash typically begins on the chest, back, and face before spreading to cover the entire body.
- Transmission: Chickenpox is transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual, inhaling air containing virus particles from a sneeze or cough of an infected person, or contact with fluids from an infected child’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Incubation Period: The incubation period for chickenpox ranges from 10 to 21 days.
- Seriousness: Chickenpox can be particularly severe in certain populations, including pregnant women, babies, adolescents, adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems (lowered ability to combat infections).
-Source: The Hindu
