A viral infection spread by droplets.

  • Symptoms include feeling unwell, headache, fever a typical rash with blisters and sores
  • Complications including pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation)
  • It causes 1200 hospitalisations and more than four deaths in Australia annually
  • This disease is more severe in adults and the immuno-compromised

Varicella is now a routine vaccination for children. Adults may need vaccinating prior to travel.

Back to All Fact Sheets