Abstract

VARGAS-NARANJO, Sócrates  and  ESPINOZA-AGUIRRE, Azálea. Chicken pox outbreak in the male Oncology Ward at he Hospital San Juan de Dios Hospital, febrero-abril de 2004. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2008, vol.50, n.1, pp.42-46. ISSN 0001-6002.

Aim: Varicella ’s infection is not common in adults ’ hospital, in spite of being a highly contagious illness. Since in adults, death rates are higher, it is important to analyze the characteristics of the present outbreak. We tried to determine risk factors that contributed to its existence in order to recommend measures to prevent future varicella outbreaks. Methods:A case and contols study was designed to identify factors associated to a varicella outbreak in the hospital. The U test of Mann-Whitney valued differences between cases and controls according to age, contact among patients hospital stay and bed group. Odds Ratio determined the possible association between the variables and the presentation of the illness. Service quarantine as recommended. Results: The first case of chickenpox happened in February,at the third day of hospitalization. Later on 5 more cases were identified.When the variables were analyzed the epidemic curve and the period of incubation, contact among the patients was the most important to maintain outbreak existence (p < 0,005; R = 25; IC_95% 2,3 - 275.7). Conclusion: Person to person transmission of varicella was confirmed to be the main source of infection in the hospital. Although quarantine stopped the outbreak, more practical and less expensive mesures should be taken to prevent the appearance of future outbreak.

Keywords : chicken pox; transmission; odds ratio and outbreak.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )