Congenital Varicella in Children

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You’re likely to be confused and overwhelmed—not to mention scared—if your infant has been diagnosed with congenital varicella syndrome. But you can play an active role in helping him get better. Developing a basic understanding of the condition is a great first step as you partner with your child’s health care team to form a treatment plan.

  • Congenital varicella syndrome is caused by the same virus (varicella) as the chicken pox, a common childhood disease.
  • Babies who are born with congenital varicella syndrome may have birth defects that affect various parts of their bodies.

How Boston Children’s Hospital approaches congenital varicella syndrome

Our Division of Infectious Diseases treats congenital varicella syndrome in infants.



How does Children’s treat congenital varicella syndrome?
If we find that your baby has been born with congenital varicella syndrome, we will begin treatment immediately with Varicella-zoster immune globin (the vaccine for chicken pox) to ensure that the condition has a minimal effect on her health.

  • However, the best treatment is prevention, so if you are pregnant and think you may have been exposed to chicken pox, tell your doctor right away.

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Congenital Varicella syndrome: Reviewed by Sandra Burchett, MD, MSc, Clinical Director, Boston Children’s Hospital Division of Infectious Diseases

- Sandra L. Fenwick, President and CEO
