The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has discovered a new variant of Chickenpox, also known as varicella, in India by the name Clade 9. The variant, causing varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was detected in the country for the first time by scientists carrying out a study of monkeypox. Common in countries like Germany, UK and US, VZV causes chickenpox in children, teens and shingles in adults.
In India, Clade 1 and Clade 5 viruses were existent, but Clade 9 has been detected for the first time. The study's findings were published in the 'Annals of Medicine' on September 6.
According to the World Health Organistaion (WHO), VZV is a member of the herpesvirus family. The transmission of this virus occurs via droplets, aerosols, or direct contact with respiratory secretions. It further states that VZV only leads to mild disorders in children, while in adults, it can be more severe. It may also prove to be fatal , especially in neonates and in immunocompromised persons.
Symptoms
Varicella or chickenpox is characterised by an itchy rash usually starting on the scalp and face and initially accompanied by fever and malaise, said the WHO. It can also cause pneumonia or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and prove to be fatal at times.
Other symptoms are reduced appetite, headache, fever, body pain, and a general feeling of unwellness.
The rash normally appears 2-3 weeks following exposure to the virus and manifests into a papule-like bumps.
Prevention
So far, experts haven't found any severity of infection between Clade 9 and its previous variants, Clade 1 and Clade 5, reported NDTV.
Medical experts suggest vaccination as the best way to avoid being infected by the virus. Maintaining proper hygiene and washing hands regularly is also suggested.