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Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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Contagiousness of Chickenpox
QUESTION
Dear Dr. Cates,
How long is a child who has broken out with chickenpox contagious? Is it dangerous to take the child around other children? My nine-year-old granddaughter broke out yesterday and we are scheduled to take her on vacation to Disneyland on Thursday. Is it safe to still take her? Her sister had a bad case several weeks ago.

— Anxious Grandmother in Chicago

ANSWER
July 2, 2001
Dear Anxious Grandmother,
Somehow chickenpox never seems to happen at a good time! This infection is considered to be contagious until all of the sores have crusted over. This usually takes about a week in most cases (but it may take longer). In general, it is not a good idea to travel with children who have active chickenpox because the infection is very easily spread through the air--even from a child seated at the front of a plane to someone seated in the last row. Someone traveling with active chickenpox may unknowingly give the disease to someone who cannot fight infections normally (e.g., receiving chemotherapy for cancer) and who is susceptible to severe--potentially fatal--chickenpox infections. Since some people who have serious illnesses go to Disneyland, I am sorry to say that you should not risk exposing them.

Please be aware that we now have an excellent vaccine to prevent chickenpox--so if you have other grandchildren who haven't had the disease yet, you can suggest that their parents check with their healthcare providers.

— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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