Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VSV). The disease is usually mild in children but can be severe in adults and those with impaired immune systems. College students who have not had chickenpox should be vaccinated against this potentially serious disease.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association (ACHA) recommend that all college students without a history of chickenpox receive the vaccine.

Chickenpox has a characteristic itchy rash, which then forms blisters that dry and scab in four to five days. The rash can be the first sign of illness, sometimes accompanied by fever and tiredness. An infected person can have skin lesions that can be few in number to more than 500. Complications may increase with age.

Chickenpox is highly contagious. About 90 percent of individuals who have not had chickenpox will get the disease if they are exposed to an infected person. The virus can be spread from person to person through the air or by contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters. The disease remains contagious from a day or two before the rash appears until all the blisters form scabs.

In the United States, chickenpox is very common. Virtually all individuals who have not been vaccinated contract chickenpox by adulthood. Approximately 90 percent of chickenpox cases occur in children 1 to 14 years of age, and most people will have had chickenpox by their early 20s. About four million Americans develop chickenpox each year. The highest incidence of chickenpox occurs between March and May.

Chickenpox can spread more easily in a college living environment, including dormitories, classrooms, libraries, and other close quarters where students spend a lot of time, which increases the likelihood for college students to contract the disease. Health sciences students (e.g., nursing and medical) are at particular risk of exposure and may transmit the disease to persons at high risk of complications; therefore, health sciences students should be vaccinated against varicella if susceptible.

If you do not know if you have had the chickenpox or if you have had the vaccine, a blood sample can be drawn and sent to the lab. If the lab test shows that you already have immunity to the varicella virus, you will not need the vaccine. If the lab test shows no immunity, then the recommendation is for you to receive the varicella vaccine.

The chickenpox vaccine is safe and effective. The vaccine is approximately 80-90 percent effective in preventing disease. The most common side effect is soreness at the site of injection. People over age 13 require two doses at least one month apart. Most people who get vaccinated will not get chickenpox; and if they do get chickenpox, it's usually very mild. The varicella vaccine is available in UMKC Student Health and Wellness for $75 per dose.

Some people who have had chickenpox may develop shingles later in life. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by a reactivation of the same varicella virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is a painful infection, which may include a blistering rash and severe burning pain, tingling, or extreme sensitivity to the skin. Symptoms last about a month. Approximately one in five people in the United States develops shingles. Studies are underway to determine if the chickenpox vaccine can help prevent or reduce the severity of shingles later in life.

To learn more about chickenpox and the vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider or UMKC Student Health and Wellness. For general information about chickenpox among college students, visit the Web sites of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/varicella/, and the American College Health Association (ACHA), www.acha.org.

If you have a primary care provider (other than Student Health), contact that provider to see if that office has varicella vaccine available. Immunizations and related visits are not covered by most health insurance and not covered under the UMKC Student Health policy. These two health departments carry varicella vaccine. Clay County Health Department 1940 E. 152 Highway, Liberty, MO (816) 781-1601 Clay County Resident $70.00/dose Others $80.00/dose Two doses, one month apart, no appointment necessary Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Payment check, cash, Mastercard, or Visa Johnson County Health Department (913) 894-2525 11875 S. Sunset, Suite 300 (West of Ridgeview off 119th Street), Olathe, KS Same price for all adults $85.00/dose Two doses, one month apart, no appointment necessary Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Friday, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM Payment by check or cash

Occasionally a UMKC student acquires chicken pox or varicella. When that occurs and the Administration or Student Health is aware of the situation, a letter or memo will be sent to those who may have been exposed containing the following information and advice. If you have questions or concerns, please call Student Health and Wellness at 816-235-6133. 1. If you have previously had chicken pox, your body has developed immunity and you should not be at risk. A large percentage of the US and world population has immunity to chicken pox, which is a common childhood illness. 2. Chicken pox is communicable and can be spread by an infected person from 1-2 days before the rash develops until 4-5 days after the rash erupts. Chicken pox is spread primarily by respiratory or nasal secretions (coughing, sneezing) during the communicable stage. Good hand washing can decrease the likelihood of acquiring the disease. 3. The incubation period for chicken pox is about 14-16 days. That means a person who has been exposed to chicken pox and who has acquired the virus may begin to have symptoms in 14-16 days. 4. The early symptoms of chicken pox include an elevated temperature and malaise, or not feeling well, followed in several days by the onset of small blisters on the trunk or face. 5. If you experience the symptoms of chicken pox, please contact Student Health and Wellness (235-6133) if you are a student or your primary care provider. 6. If you have been in close contact with someone who has contracted chicken pox, watch for symptoms. 7. There is a chicken pox (varicella) vaccine. If you have been exposed, receiving the vaccine within 3 days of exposure can decrease the likelihood of acquiring chicken pox. Please call Student Health or your primary care provider if you are interested in receiving the vaccine. The cost is about $75 per dose in Student Health. Two doses are required for adults at one month intervals. Anyone who has not had chicken pox should consider being vaccinated. 7. If you have a chronic illness or are immune suppressed for any reason, be sure to contact Student Health or your primary care provider. If you have further questions or concerns, please consult Student Health and Wellness (235-6133) or your primary care provider. Chicken pox is generally a mild disease in healthy persons. Additional information about chicken pox can be found on the Student Health and Wellness web site: www.umkc.edu/chtc/health. Reference: CDC, Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 7th ed. January, 2002. www.cdc.gov