Varicella – A SAEFVIC Case Study*
Department of Health Newsletter: Issue 76 August 2015
An 18-month-old previously healthy child flew from the United Kingdom (UK) to Australia for a holiday. While on the plane, the child’s mother noted a few lesions on his face. A few days after they arrived the child became febrile, had reduced oral intake and his eye became swollen and he was unable to open it. The patient presented to the Emergency Department and was admitted to a medical ward. A swab from skin lesions confirmed varicella and a swab from the eye showed heavy growth of Streptococcus Pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus). The child was also seen by the ophthalmologist who confirmed right eye periorbital cellulitis with right eye keratoconjunctivitis. The patient received intravenous antibiotics and Aciclovir and was commenced on Chlorsig. After three days he was discharged on oral Amoxicillin and Chlorsig drops and ointment. He had follow-up with an ophthalmologist. Final diagnosis was Group A Streptococcus periorbital cellulitis secondary to varicella infection. All of the child’s immunisations were up to date according to the UK schedule. Varicella is currently not on their vaccine schedule. The child’s five-year-old brother also had varicella infection at the same time. *Note: consent was obtained from the family for this case report.