Clade 9 Variant Of Varicella-Zoster Virus:
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).
- Varicella Zoster Virus is a herpes virus that causes chickenpox, a common childhood illness.
- It is an exclusively human virus that belongs to the α-herpesvirus family.
- It is present worldwide and is highly infectious.
- Primary infection of this virus leads to acute varicella or “chickenpox”.
- The infections can progress to the central nervous system involvement and severe complications.
- Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease.
- It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash, among other symptoms.
- The rash first appears on the chest, back, and face and then spreads over the entire body.
- The virus is spread by:
- Coming in contact with someone who has chickenpox.
- Breathing air from an infected person who sneezes or coughs.
- Coming in contact with fluids from an infected child’s eyes, nose or mouth.
- The incubation period of chickenpox is from 10 to 21 days
