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The Burden of Severe Varicella in Spain, 1995–2000 Period

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Abstract

Background: Population-based estimates of hospitalization rates for varicella provide data of the severe and costly end of this disease.

Objective: To estimate the annual burden of hospitalization due to primary varicella in the 17 Autonomous Regions of Spain.

Methods: Data were obtained from the national surveillance system for hospital data and comprises all hospital discharges for varicella reported during the 1995–2000 period.

Results: The overall incidence of hospitalizations was 2.7 per 100,000 persons per year (ranging from 3.2 in Navarra to 1.5 in the Canary Islands). Forty-eight deaths were reported during the period. Each year varicella was responsible for 3017 days of hospitalization in persons ≤ 10 years of age and 3333days in persons > 10 years of age. The annual cost of these hospitalizations was 1.2 million and more than 500.000 euros for persons ≤ 10 years and > 10 years of age, respectively.

Conclusion: Varicella is associated to a severe morbidity in children, adolescents and adults in Spain. The burden of varicella is likely to be potentially reduced by effective immunization programs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, Avda de Atenas s/n, 28922, Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain

    Ángel Gil, Itziar Oyagüez & Pilar Carrasco

  2. Medical Department, Aventis Pasteur MSD, P° de la Castellana 141, Madrid, Spain

    Antonio González & María San Martín

Authors
  1. Ángel Gil
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  2. Antonio González
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  3. Itziar Oyagüez
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  4. María San Martín
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  5. Pilar Carrasco
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Gil, Á., González, A., Oyagüez, I. et al. The Burden of Severe Varicella in Spain, 1995–2000 Period. Eur J Epidemiol 19, 699–702 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EJEP.0000036791.43264.84

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EJEP.0000036791.43264.84

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