Burden of varicella in Latin America and the Caribbean: findings from a systematic literature review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Varicella is typically mild and self-limiting, but can be associated with complications and even death. The limited data available on varicella in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) indicate substantial burden in countries where varicella vaccine is not part of publicly funded childhood national immunization programs.

Methods

A systematic literature review of published studies was complemented by "gray" literature on varicella incidence, complications, mortality, and economic consequences, in the absence and presence of universal varicella vaccination (UVV) in LAC.

Results

Seroprevalence data indicate that varicella is usually a disease of childhood in LAC. Varicella incidence rates, while unreliable in the absence of mandatory reporting, show a trend to

SUBMITTER: Arlant LHF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6507223 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature