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Varicella

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These are the "dew drop on a rose petal" lesions characteristic of Varicella-zoster Virus (VZV) infection, which typically occur first on the face and trunk. Children between 5 and 9 years of age are most commonly affected. The patient is infectious from 2 days prior to developing the rash until all the vesicles are crusted.

The most common infectious complication is secondary bacterial superinfection by Strep pyogenes or Staph aureus. The most common extracutaneous site of involvement in children with VZV is the CNS, and the most serious complication of VZV infection is Varicella pneumonia, which is more common in adults. Perinatal varicella is associated with a high mortality rate when maternal disease develops within 5 days before delivery and 2 days post partum.