BC Drug and Poison Information Centre - Poison Control Service 1.800.567.8911           

Chickenpox/Varicella

Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus.

About 35,000 cases of chickenpox occurred in BC each year before routine vaccination for infants started in 2005. 

Approximately one in 200 children who got the disease were hospitalized every year with 1-2 deaths occurring annually.
chickenpox lesions

 


Information for Health Professionals

Last Updated: March 1, 2012