Introduction:

Varicella o chickenpox is a highly contagious disease. Varicella is spread worldwide and is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Despite the perception that it is a benign pediatric disease, complications are expected in about 2 to 5%. The neurological involvement may vary from aseptic meningitis to encephalitis. Viruses are the most common infectious agents associated with acute encephalitis, of which 22% occur due to chickenpox.

Objective:

To report a varicella case of a seven-year-old male patient who developed acute encephalitis.

Case description:

A seven-year-old patient admitted to the emergency department due to a history of vesicular-papule-crusted skin lesions on the face, trunk and limbs. Three days later, the patient evolved with prostration, altered alertness, drowsiness and vomiting. The established therapy was with intravenous acyclovir, resulting in improvement of neurological symptoms and skin lesions.

Conclusions:

Every patient with chickenpox should be carefully evaluated for possible complications, including the neurologicals. Where appropriate, timely detection will help to offer specific treatment to avoid further damage.

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