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1071 VARICELLA (VAR) INFECTION IN DAYCARE CENTERS (DCC)

There are no published data on the epidemiology or economic consequences of VAR infections in DCC. We investigated the VAR attack rate and financial burden due to VAR infection on families of children attending DCC. We administered a retrospective questionnaire to parents of children attending four of the largest DCC in Mobile during the winter/spring of 1983/84. At that time VAR was epidemic in the community. Data from 307 enrollees showed that 71 (42%) of 171 reportedly susceptible children developed clinical disease. The mean (range) number of days lost per child from the DCC was 5.4 (2-14). Forty-one (78%) of the 55 families affected lost a mean (range) of 3.9 (0-15) days of work. This included a total of 90 days of sick leave, 49 days off without pay, 18 days off with pay and 9 vacation days. Sixteen (29%) of the families lost a mean (range) of $146.00 ($35-400.00) in wages, not including ongoing DCC enrollment fees. Additional medical bills/babysitting costs for 41 children totaled $1258.00 (mean=$31.00/child). These data suggest that VAR infections in DCC have a significant financial impact on families. Immunization of susceptible DCC enrollees with live attenuated varicella vaccine, if found to be safe in the daycare setting, may prevent the spread of infection and reduce the financial strain on families.