XXXX from chickenpox in England and Wales 1995-7: analysis of routine mortality data.

@entity1 @entity204
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiology and impact of mortality from chickenpox in England and Wales. DESIGN: Review of death certificates from the Office for National Statistics on which codes for "chickenpox" or "varicella" were mentioned. Further information ascertained from certifying physician. @entity1 : Those certified as having died from chickenpox in England and Wales, 1995-7. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Diagnosis and age and sex distributions of deaths from chickenpox. RESULTS: On average, 25 @entity1 a year die from chickenpox. Overall case fatality was 9.22 per 100 000 consultations for chickenpox. Adults accounted for 81% of deaths and 19% of consultations. @entity204 were twice as common in @entity1 as in @entity1 . More of those who died were born outside United Kingdom than expected (12% v 4%). CONCLUSIONS: Chickenpox is not a mild disease. @entity204 in adults are increasing, both in number and proportion.
