Work

Severe Varicella Pneumonia in an Immunocompetent Adult Requiring Intensive Care Management: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Varicella is usually a mild childhood disease; however, primary infection in adults may lead to severe complications, particularly varicella pneumonia. We report the case of a 32-year-old previously healthy male admitted to the intensive care unit with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure occurring three days after the onset of a diffuse vesicular rash. Chest CT demonstrated bilateral ground-glass opacities with focal consolidation consistent with viral pneumonia. The diagnosis was established based on typical cutaneous findings, epidemiological exposure, and compatible imaging results. Early treatment with intravenous acyclovir followed by oral valacyclovir resulted in favorable clinical and radiological outcomes. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and prompt antiviral therapy to improve prognosis, even in immunocompetent adults without classical risk factors.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103763

Authors: Manal El Goubi, Mohmmed Moussaoui, Khalid K Khaleq

Institutions: Université Mohammed VI des Sciences et de la Santé, Hôpital Universitaire International Cheikh Khalifa, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ibn Rochd

Language: English

Topic: Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7129314929