Prevention of VZV transmission in hospitals

Varicella is a highly contagious disease. In hospital settings, transmissio n of VZV is dangerous for susceptible immunocompromized inpatients and for non immunized health cars workers. The first step in prevention of nosocomi al varicella concerns health care workers with a screening of specific anti bodies and implementation of preventive measures for susceptible workers. P revention of the transmission of VZV infection in the hospital consists; in isolation of cases and susceptible patients and in prophylactic treatment of exposed persons with specific immunoglobulins, aciclovir or vaccine. In France, there is no definite policy For prevention of nosocomial varicella. Availability of an efficient vaccine and active antiviral drugs should ind uce useful recommandations.