Chickenpox (also known as varicella) is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus.7 While usually a mild illness in young healthy children, it is more severe in adults and can be fatal in immunocompromised people of any age.7 Prior to the introduction of a vaccination program there were about 240,000 cases, 1,500 hospitalisations and 7 deaths every year from varicella in Australia.7
Transmission8 Transmission is from person-to-person, mainly by airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes or through direct contact with the chickenpox rash.
Risk for travellers Chickenpox is highly contagious and non-immune travellers are at risk of contracting it, i.e. people who have not had chickenpox before and who have not been vaccinated.
Precautions and prevention
Varicella vaccination is routinely recommended for nonimmune children and adults in Australia and should be considered by nonimmune travellers (see your doctor).
Children (aged 12 months–13 years) require a single dose of vaccine, while adolescents and adults (aged 14 years and over) require 2 doses of vaccine given at least 1–2 months apart.7
(Please read the Disclaimer before using the ABC Guide to Travel Health).
