Deep vein thrombosis: A rare complication of varicella zoster infection

Chickenpox (varicella) is a benign illness caused by varicella zoster virus which occurs predominantly in childhood. The incidence in young adults is 90/100,000 population and falls steadily with age. The varicella-Zoster virus is a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpes viridae family. It affects only humans and the primary route of spread is via the respiratory tract. The incubation period from contact to appearance of the rash is 10- 20 days. Complications include pneumonitis, encephalitis, rare neurological sequelae including optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Hematological complications of thrombocytopenia and purpura fulminans myocarditis, pericarditis, pancreatitis and orchitis have all been reported.