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. 2001 Nov 10;323(7321):1091-3.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.323.7321.1091.

Deaths from chickenpox in England and Wales 1995-7: analysis of routine mortality data

H Rawson  1 , A Crampin, N Noah
Affiliations

Deaths from chickenpox in England and Wales 1995-7: analysis of routine mortality data

H Rawson et al. BMJ. .

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology and impact of mortality from chickenpox in England and Wales.

Design: Review of death certificates from the Office for National Statistics on which codes for "chickenpox" or "varicella" were mentioned. Further information ascertained from certifying physician.

Participants: Those certified as having died from chickenpox in England and Wales, 1995-7.

Main outcome measures: Diagnosis and age and sex distributions of deaths from chickenpox.

Results: On average, 25 people a year die from chickenpox. Overall case fatality was 9.22 per 100 000 consultations for chickenpox. Adults accounted for 81% of deaths and 19% of consultations. Deaths were twice as common in men as in women. More of those who died were born outside United Kingdom than expected (12% v 4%).

Conclusions: Chickenpox is not a mild disease. Deaths in adults are increasing, both in number and proportion.

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