Varicella zoster virus in the health care setting: risk and management.

1. Varicella zoster poses a threat to clients and staff in health care settings because of its ease of transmission and incidence of complications in those over age 20, neonates, and the immunocompromised. 2. Risk surveillance of personnel via a comprehensive screening program will establish the pool of seronegative (or "at risk") health care workers. 3. Clear policies on restricting client admission or visitors, and work restrictions for health care workers related to varicella will aid in preventing outbreaks in the health care setting. 4. Prompt follow up of exposures is best accomplished using an established protocol for loss control.