120,624 annually (1995); 46,016 annual cases notified in USA 1999 (MMWR 1999); 199.14 per 100,000 in Canada 20001 ... see also overview of Chickenpox.
approx 1 in 2,254 or 0.04% or 120,624 people in USA [Source statistic for calcuation: "120,624 annually (1995); 46,016 annual cases notified in USA 1999 (MMWR 1999); 199.14 per 100,000 in Canada 20001" -- see also general information about data sources]
120,624 per year, 10,052 per month, 2,319 per week, 330 per day, 13 per hour, 0 per minute, 0 per second. [Source statistic for calculation: "120,624 annually (1995); 46,016 annual cases notified in USA 1999 (MMWR 1999); 199.14 per 100,000 in Canada 20001" -- see also general information about data sources]
For details see incidence of types of Chickenpox analysis; summary of available incidence by type data:
Almost everyone gets chickenpox by adulthood (more than 95% of Americans). Chickenpox is highly contagious. CDC estimates that 4 million cases occur each year. (Source: excerpt from Facts About Chickenpox (Varicella): CDC-OC)
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Chickenpox.
Herpes zoster results from reactivation of varicella virus that has lain dormant in the cerebral ganglia (extramedullary ganglia of the cranial nerves) or the ganglia of posterior nerve roots since a previous episode of chickenpox. Exactly how or why this reactivation occurs isn’t clear. Some believe that the virus multiplies as it's reactivated and that antibodies remaining from the initial infection neutralize it. However, if effective antibodies aren't present, the virus continues to multiply in the ganglia, destroy the host neuron, and spread down the sensory nerves to the skin.
Herpes zoster occurs primarily in adults, especially those older than age 50. It seldom recurs. It's also seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus and other immunodeficiency disorders.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Chickenpox can occur at any age, but it's most common in children ages 2 to 8. Congenital varicella may affect infants whose mothers had acute infections in their first or early second trimester. Neonatal infection is rare, probably because of transient maternal immunity. However, neonates born to mothers who develop varicella 5 days before delivery or up to 2 days after delivery are at risk for developing severe generalized varicella. Second attacks are also rare. This infection is transmitted by direct contact (primarily with respiratory secretions; less commonly, with skin lesions) and indirect contact (airborne). The incubation period usually lasts 14 to 17 days but can be as short as 10 days and as long as 20 days. (See Incubation and duration of common rash-producing infections, page 232.) Chickenpox is probably communicable from 1 day before lesions erupt to 6 days after vesicles form (it's most contagious in the early stages of eruption of skin lesions).
Chickenpox occurs worldwide and is endemic in large cities. Outbreaks occur sporadically, usually in areas with large groups of susceptible children. It affects all races and both sexes equally. Seasonal distribution varies; in temperate areas, incidence is higher during late autumn, winter, and spring.
Most children recover completely. Potentially fatal complications may affect children on corticosteroids, antimetabolites, or other immunosuppressants and those with leukemia, other neoplasms, or immunodeficiency disorders. Congenital and adult varicella may also have severe effects.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
The term 'prevalence' of Chickenpox usually refers to the estimated population
of people who are managing Chickenpox at any given time.
The term 'incidence' of Chickenpox refers to the annual diagnosis rate,
or the number of new cases of Chickenpox diagnosed each year.
Hence, these two statistics types can differ:
a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence,
but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence.
For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
Footnotes:
1. Notifiable Diseases Online, PPHB, Canada, 2000
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