[Varicella outbreak in a work center for psychologically handicapped adults].
OBJECTIVE
An outbreak of varicella is described in a training and work center for psychologically handicapped adults with a high susceptibility to the disease.


METHODS
Descriptive and case-control study. A questionnaire self-complimented by parents and staff of the center was used. A serologic study in order to determine antibodies againts varicella was carried out for people without varicella vaccination or disease history.


RESULTS
Four cases of varicella occurred among 56 students of the center and none among the staff (12 people). 51.8% of students had not history of varicella versus 8.3% of staff (p = 0.009). A recommendation of vaccination against varicella was made for people without history of varicella, and 52.2% were vaccinated. After vaccination, no new cases occurred. In the serological study (11 students and 1 staff), 5 students were sero-negative. In the case-control study, risk of suffering varicella was lower for students with history of varicella, those vaccinated against varicella and those attending less commonly the center.


CONCLUSIONS
The outbreak occurred in a high susceptible population, and it is suggested that it is a previously unidentified group of risk. Serological studies of varicella with vaccination of susceptible individuals in these populations may be indicated.
Arnedo Pena
Alberto
A
Sección de Epidemiología, Centro de Salud Pública de Castellón, Castellón, Spain. arnedo_alb@gva.es
Puig Barberà
Joan
J
Pardo Serrano
Francisco
F
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014829:Vocational Education