Download Chickenpox​(Varicella Zoster – “Waterpokken” in Dutch) is a

Chickenpox​ (Varicella Zoster – “Waterpokken” in Dutch) is a relatively common childhood illness. It is a
highly contagious viral infection that is spread from person to person by direct contact or through the air from
an infected person coughing or sneezing.
Who is susceptible?
The chickenpox vaccination is compulsory in many countries, but not in the Netherlands. Therefore, a child
who has been vaccinated still has a 10% chance of getting chickenpox, although usually with milder
symptoms.
Adolescents and adults​ may have a more severe case than young children and may develop pneumonia or
other serious complications. Consult your doctor for advice regarding treatment.
A ​pregnant woman​ who has never had chickenpox should avoid exposure if at all possible and consult her
doctor or midwife if exposed (especially during the first trimester).
Symptoms
Fever and cold symptoms are often the first signs, which are then followed by the appearance of a typical rash
which starts as small pink bumps, often around the neck, ears, back and stomach. These bumps develop into a
little water blister, which in turn becomes yellow and oozy and ultimately crusts over. The rash spreads
outwards, to involve the whole body, finally involving the lower arms and legs. Some people may have only a
few spots while others may be covered with them.
Chickenpox is contagious for 1-2 days ​before the rash starts​ and until all blisters are crusted and no new
blisters appear within a 24-hour period.​ ​It takes between 10-21 days after contact with an infected person for
someone to develop chickenpox. ​Please contact the school nurse to report your child's chickenpox.
Our School Policy is that if a child is suspected of having chicken pox, parents will be contacted immediately
and asked to collect their child from school. All children should remain at home until ​all​ chicken pox spots
have crusted over to avoid further spread of the illness. Usually ​children should be kept home for about 7
days.​ ​Should any child return to school before this time, parents will be contacted and asked to collect them
and take them back home.
Treatment advice
For itching, you can thinly apply Calamine lotion or Menthol powder (available at your local apotheek or
drugstore) on your child's skin or you can place cold, wet washcloths on the really itchy areas. It is important
to discourage scratching, to prevent secondary infections and scarring. Try to keep your child’s fingernails
short and clean.
Monitor their temperature regularly the first few days. ​Never ​ give aspirin due to Reye’s syndrome. You can
give Paracetamol/Tylenol instead. Contact your doctor if your child has a high temperature, is vomiting, has a
stiff neck, weakness and/or extreme headache. Usually complications do not occur, but please stay alert for the
possibility.