Varicella is a common benign childhood illness caused by the
varicella-zoster virus (VZV), typically associated with fever and a
characteristic exanthematous vesicular rash [1]. The clinical presentation
in adults is more severe and more commonly associated
with complications, particularly varicella pneumonia [1,2]. Varicella
pneumonia has been reported in 0.25% of adults with chickenpox
[3]. This complication was mainly reported in
immunocompromised patients with markedly increased morbidity
and mortality [1,2]. Varicella pneumonia was rarely reported in
immunocompetent patients and risk factors for such condition are
not fully established. We report the case of an immunocompetent
patient who developed severe varicella pneumonia with an acute
respiratory failure leading to intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
Clinical factors and therapeutic management are discussed.