Shingles (Zoster)
Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Shingles (Zoster)
Shingles (zoster) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus that remains inactive (dormant) in the body of people who have had chickenpox (varicella). You get shingles from your own chickenpox virus, not from someone else. This usually occurs when the immune system is weakened for various reasons, including certain illnesses or conditions, or treatments, or aging. Although shingles usually occurs in adulthood, children who were infected with varicella in utero or during infancy may develop shingles during childhood.
Cause
Varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpesvirus family.
Symptoms
Severe pain, itching, and numbness along certain nerve pathways, commonly involving one side of the body. About 1 to 3 days later, a red rash appears at the site. Clusters of blisters appear soon after, usually on one side of the body and closer together than in chickenpox. The blisters dry out and crust over within a few days. The rash and pain usually disappear within 3 to 5 weeks.
Shingles is a milder illness in children than in adults, but it can be a serious illness in those who have weakened immune systems.
Spread
A person must have already had chickenpox disease in the past to develop shingles. Shingles does not spread from one person to another as shingles. When people who have not had chickenpox have contact with the fluid from the shingles blisters, they can develop chickenpox.
Incubation
None.
Contagious Period
In an otherwise healthy person, from the start of the rash until all the blisters have crusted.
Exclusion
Child Care and School: None, if blisters can be completely covered by clothing or a bandage. If blisters cannot be covered, exclude until the blisters have crusted.
Persons with severe, disseminated shingles should be excluded regardless of whether the sores can be covered.
Treatment
Antiviral medications may be prescribed.
Do not give aspirin or salicylate-containing medications to any child or adolescent under 18 years of age.
Prevention/Control
- Pregnant women or persons with weakened immune systems who have not had chickenpox and are exposed to shingles virus should call their healthcare provider immediately for possible treatment. Vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy. (See Section 1 for information on varicella-zoster and pregnancy.)
- Thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with fluid from blisters or sores.
- Susceptible persons (those who have not had chickenpox or varicella vaccine in the past) who have been exposed to someone with shingles should call their healthcare provider immediately to prevent chickenpox. Getting varicella vaccine within 3 days, and possibly up to 5 days, of exposure may prevent chickenpox in these people.
- Clean and disinfect all objects and surfaces contaminated with blister fluid at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Shingles Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Shingles
Shingles (zoster) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus that remains in the body after a child has chickenpox (varicella).
If you think your child has Shingles:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
Child Care and School:
No, if blisters can be covered with clothing or bandage.Yes, if blisters cannot be covered by clothing or bandages, until the blisters have crusted.
Persons with severe, disseminated shingles should be excluded regardless of whether the sores can be covered.
Symptoms
At first, your child may have a lot of pain and itching. Numbness is common around the trunk or on the face. A red rash appears about 1 to 3 days later. Next, clusters of blisters appear. They are usually on one side of the body. The blisters crust over within a few days.
The rash and pain usually disappear in 3 to 5 weeks.
Spread
Shingles does not spread from person-to-person as shingles. If someone who has not had chickenpox in the past touches the fluid from the shingles blisters they may get chickenpox.
Contagious Period
From 1 to 2 days before the rash to crusting of all lesions.
Call your Healthcare Provider
If anyone in your home:
- has symptoms. Treatment may be available.
- was exposed to shingles and has not had chickenpox or the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine in the past or is pregnant.
Prevention
- Wash hands after contact with fluid from blisters or sores. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Cover blisters with clothing or bandages.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.