Chickenpox (Varicella) Exposure: What Students Need to Know
If you have recently been exposed to someone with chickenpox (varicella), the steps you should take depend on whether you have documented immunity to chickenpox.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most healthy people recover completely, but the infection can be more serious in adolescents and adults, people who are pregnant, and people with weakened immune systems.
First: Determine Whether You Are Immune
You are generally considered immune to chickenpox if you have:
- Documentation of 2 doses of varicella vaccine. You can log-in to myhealthconnect.case.edu to view or upload immunization records.
- A blood test showing immunity to varicella
- A healthcare provider-confirmed history of chickenpox or shingles
If you have received 2 doses of varicella vaccine or have other evidence of immunity
Your risk of developing chickenpox is much lower. Vaccination provides excellent protection, particularly against severe disease.
If you are feeling well, you generally do not need to stay home from class, work, or other campus activities simply because you were exposed.
However, it is still possible for vaccinated people to develop chickenpox after an exposure. This is known as breakthrough varicella, so you should monitor your health carefully for 21 days after your last exposure.
If you do not have documentation of immunity
Check your immunization records as soon as possible.
If you locate documentation of vaccination or immunity, upload it through the Clearances section of MyHealthConnect.
If you cannot find evidence of immunity, contact University Health & Counseling Services (UH&CS) promptly. You may need a varicella blood test (Varicella IgG) to determine whether you are immune, or you may be advised to receive the varicella vaccine.
If you are not immune and are eligible for vaccination, receiving the vaccine as soon as possible—ideally within 3 to 5 days after exposure—may prevent chickenpox or make the illness less severe. Vaccination may still be recommended more than five days after exposure to protect you from future exposures.
People age 13 and older who have never been vaccinated generally need two doses of varicella vaccine given at least four weeks apart.
Monitor for Symptoms for 21 Days
Regardless of your vaccination status, pay attention to your health for 21 days following your last exposure.
Symptoms may include:
- A new or unexplained rash
- Red spots or bumps on the skin
- Small, fluid-filled blisters
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Generally feeling unwell
Chickenpox typically develops 10–21 days after exposure, most commonly around days 14–16.
Chickenpox Can Look Different in Vaccinated People
People who have been vaccinated can still develop breakthrough chickenpox, and symptoms may be much milder than traditional chickenpox.
Instead of developing numerous itchy blisters and significant fever, you may have:
- Fewer than 50 skin lesions
- Only a few scattered red spots or bumps
- Few or no fluid-filled blisters
- No fever or only a low-grade fever
- A shorter, milder illness
The rash may resemble insect bites, acne, contact dermatitis, or another minor skin condition.
Do not ignore a new, unexplained rash during the 21 days following an exposure, even if you otherwise feel well.
If You Develop a Rash or Fever
Do not come directly to UH&CS.
Instead:
- Stay home and avoid close contact with others.
- Do not attend class, work, athletic activities, or other campus events.
- Contact UH&CS and tell us that you were recently exposed to chickenpox and have developed symptoms.
- Follow the instructions you receive regarding evaluation and, when appropriate, testing.
Testing may be recommended because breakthrough chickenpox can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other common skin conditions.
Someone with chickenpox can spread the virus beginning 1–2 days before the rash appears.
People with typical chickenpox remain contagious until all lesions have crusted over. Vaccinated people may develop lesions that do not crust; in those cases, they are considered contagious until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours.
Pregnant or Immunocompromised? Contact Us Promptly
Contact UH&CS or your healthcare provider promptly if you:
- Are pregnant or could be pregnant
- Have a condition that significantly weakens your immune system
- Are receiving chemotherapy
- Have had an organ or bone marrow transplant
- Take medications that suppress your immune system, including certain biologic medications or high-dose steroids
The varicella vaccine is a live vaccine and should not be given during pregnancy or to some people with significantly weakened immune systems. Do not simply schedule yourself for a varicella vaccine if one of these circumstances applies to you.
Some people who cannot receive the vaccine and are at increased risk for severe chickenpox may need additional treatment following an exposure. Your healthcare provider can determine what evaluation or precautions are appropriate.
Why This Matters on Campus
Chickenpox spreads easily among people who are not immune, including through the air and through direct contact with fluid from chickenpox blisters.
Because students live, learn, eat, work, and socialize in close proximity, identifying immunity quickly and monitoring for symptoms after an exposure can help protect both you and other members of the campus community.
Questions or Concerns?
Contact University Health & Counseling Services (UH&CS) if:
- You cannot find your vaccination records
- You are unsure whether you have had chickenpox
- You have received only one dose of varicella vaccine
- You are pregnant or could be pregnant
- You have a weakened immune system
- You develop a fever, rash, or other symptoms following an exposure
- You have questions about your exposure, vaccination history, or symptoms
If you develop a rash, please call UH&CS at 216.368.2450 before coming to the health center.