Nosocomial varicella. Part II: suggested guidelines for management.

Because of the potential severity of varicella among patients with compromised immunity in hospitals, a case of nosocomial varicella demands immediate attention. Patients with varicella should be discharged or placed in strict isolation. Other patients in the hospital should be screened for varicella exposure and susceptibility, and isolated as necessary. Exposed staff members must also be screened for susceptibility. Prompt institution of these measures should prevent or reduce transmission of nosocomial varicella.