How Are Body Organs & Systems Affected by the Chickenpox?

Many people get chickenpox when they are young children. The disease is caused by a virus, varicella-zoster, and produces red bumps all over the body. Chickenpox effects other areas of the body as well, particularly if the disease is contracted at an older age or by a pregnant woman.

Symptoms

• Aside from the rash and red bumps all over the skin, chickenpox symptoms include a fever, sore throat, feelings of fatigue and loss of appetite. The blisters on the skin are generally itchy.

Lungs

• The chickenpox virus may infect the lungs and cause Varicella pneumonia. Varicella pneumonia is often not life threatening and may not produce any symptoms. People over 13, particularly those who smoke, have weakened immune systems or are pregnant, have a greater risk of developing Varicella pneumonia should they get chickenpox.

Muscles

• Chickenpox in older children can lead to ataxia, or lack of muscle coordination. Ataxia caused by chickenpox is temporary.

Birth Defects

• Pregnant women who have the chickenpox in the first or second trimester may given birth to babies with congenital varicella syndrome, which can cause the limbs not to develop properly or eye problems.

Shingles

• Even once you have recovered from the chickenpox, the virus stays in your body. It may emerge when you are older (past 60) as shingles, an infection that produces a rash and causes nerve tingling on only one side of the body.