Complicated cases of varicella observed in the infectious diseases department of Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital in Ouagadougou. Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction : According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chickenpox is the most contagious of all rash diseases. Although the disease is most often benign, complications can occur during its course. We report four cases of varicella complications observed in the infectious diseases department of the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital, with the aim of contributing to early and appropriate management.
Observations: The majority of patients were male (3/4). Their ages were respectively 5, 14, 37 and 39 years. They all lived in the city of Ouagadougou. All patients had a family history of infection. Complications included encephalitis, pneumopathy, bacterial superinfections and thrombocytopenia. The disease was manifested by a characteristic rash in all patients, made of vesiculo-papular lesions, umbilicated and pruritic lesions. The rash was preceded by fever, headache, malaise, and anorexia in all patients. It was profuse in adult patients. A cough with pustular lesions and dyspnea had been noted in two patients. Under treatment with antiseptics, antihistamines, antivirals, and antibiotics, the evolution was favorable in all patients.
Conclusion : Varicella is still responsible for epidemic outbreaks in the community, as evidenced by the notion of contact found in all patients. Complications of chickenpox are not rare. Any case of chickenpox should always be considered and a possible complication managed. The introduction of the varicella vaccine in the EPI will contribute to the fight against this disease and its complications.