Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a type of herpes virus. The illness typically has a mild course. In the Netherlands, more than 95% of children have had chickenpox before their sixth birthday. In young children, the disease typically goes without serious complications.

Where does chickenpox occur?

Chickenpox occurs worldwide. Most people get the infection during childhood. In the Netherlands, more than 95% of children up to the age of six have had chickenpox. Each year, around 265 patients with chickenpox are admitted to the hospital, especially children under four years old.

What are the symptoms?

• Skin rash characterised by fluid-filled spots (blisters) that appear on the head and trunk that then spread over the entire body
• Fever
• General malaise
• Bacterial infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis
• Reactivation later in life: shingles

How to prevent chickenpox?

Chickenpox is very contagious, and someone with no symptoms yet can spread the virus. This makes it difficult to prevent an infection. Vaccines are available to prevent chickenpox. In many countries, the chickenpox vaccination is part of the national immunisation programme for young children, but this is not yet the case in the Netherlands. KLM Health Services offers the chickenpox vaccination upon request and for a fee. This vaccination must be given twice for proper protection against chickenpox. In 2020, the Health Council advised that the vaccination should be included in the National Immunisation Programme for the Caribbean Netherlands, as chickenpox is less common on these islands and can lead to outbreaks. Adults can also get infected and may become more seriously ill.

More information

Would you like to know more about chickenpox? Please visit the RIVM information page: Chickenpox | RIVM.