Risks and benefits

Chickenpox is a common childhood disease which can be, but is not always, a mild illness. It can have serious complications and sequelae. Cameron et al (2007) attempted to quantify the annual level of risk by asking consultant paediatricians to record all severe cases with complications over 13 months. There were 112 cases identifi ed that required hospital admission due to complications such as varicella pneumonia, bacteraemia/septic shock, encephalitis, ataxia, toxic shock and necrotizing fasciitis. Six children died. The authors concluded that most complications occur in otherwise healthy children and would be preventable only through universal childhood immunization.