In Azerbaijan, an increase in chickenpox infection cases was observed among the population during the first 11 months of 2025 compared to the corresponding period of 2024.
It is interesting to know what the initial symptoms of chickenpox are and what dangers this disease can pose for children?
Pediatrician Shalala Polukhova provided a statement to AzEdu.az on the topic.
She stated that chickenpox is one of the most contagious infectious diseases and is of viral origin:
“Chickenpox is caused by a virus called Varicella-zoster. Typically, there is an incubation period of 10-21 days after infection, and symptoms of the disease begin to appear after this period ends.
The first 10-21 days after infection are considered the incubation period. Subsequently, the disease enters the initial - prodromal stage. This stage is characterized by non-specific symptoms. As with other viral infections, symptoms such as fever, malaise, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite may be observed.
These initial non-specific symptoms usually appear 1-2 days before the rash. However, the presence of these symptoms is not always mandatory. Especially in infants and young children, this stage is sometimes not observed, and only general discomfort may be noted.
Subsequently, the most typical symptom of the disease begins. Initially, red maculopapular rashes appear on the skin. These rashes quickly transform into vesicular, i.e., fluid-filled blisters, within a short period. Within a few days, these blisters dry up and form scabs”.
The pediatrician noted that one of the characteristic features of chickenpox is the simultaneous observation of rashes in different stages on various parts of the p:
“That is, new rashes, vesicles, and crusted elements can appear simultaneously. These rashes are usually accompanied by intense itching. These symptoms constitute the typical clinical course of chickenpox, and the disease is diagnosed in most cases by physical examination.
The virus is mainly spread through airborne droplets during coughing and sneezing. Infection is also possible through direct contact with fluid-filled blisters. Contagiousness begins 1-2 days before the rash appears and continues until all rashes have fully crusted over”.
Shalala Polukhova stated that in children, chickenpox is usually mild and is a self-limiting disease:
“However, in rare cases, serious complications can occur, especially if no prophylaxis is carried out. As we know, a vaccine against the chickenpox virus exists. Currently, this vaccine is not included in the official vaccination schedule of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, but it is applied in several private medical institutions.
If not vaccinated, the risk of chickenpox complications may increase. The most common complications are secondary bacterial infections. These include skin and soft tissue infections – impetigo, cellulitis, and abscesses. Skin damage due to scratching creates conditions for bacterial infection, and this is one of the most common complications in children”.
According to her, more serious complications can also be observed in some cases:
“In rare cases, respiratory complications, particularly pneumonia, can occur. This can be both viral and bacterial in origin and is more common in children under 1 year of age. In some cases, nervous system complications – encephalitis and other neurological problems are recorded. Furthermore, rare but serious hematological and other systemic complications are also possible.
Hospitalization due to complications is most frequently observed in children aged 3-5 years. According to research, the complication rate in general cases of the disease can vary between 5-40 percent and is mainly associated with bacterial infections. The risk group primarily includes children with weakened immune systems, adults, and, rarely, newborn infants. In these groups, the disease may exhibit a more severe course”.
