Severe Complications of Varicella Zoster Virus Infection in Two Children

Abstract

Infection with Varicella Zoster virus, which is the causative agent of chickenpox, is commonly seen during childhood. It has typically a benign course and can be substantially prevented by vaccination. Rarely, it may result in central nervous system infections. Herein, we report two cases of chickenpox-induced central nervous system infection, one in a refugee. Both patients were not previously vaccinated for varicella. Meningoencephalitis developed in one of the patients due to the varicella. In the other patient, thrombosis developed after meningoencephalitis. This article underlines that, although rare, chickenpox can lead to meningoencephalitis and related serious complications, and highlights the importance of chickenpox vaccination in Turkey where there is a high number of refugees.

Keywords

• Central nervous system
• chickenpox
• meningoencephalitis