Varicella-zoster infection with secondary bacteremia and extensive facial abscesses

Varicella-zoster (chickenpox) infection is a common infectious disease and generally considered to be selflimiting. However, severe bacterial complications associated with the disease have been reported. We describe a case of varicella-zoster infection with secondary Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, preseptal orbital cellulitis and extensive facial abscesses. She was aggressively treated with intravenous antibiotics and repeated surgical drainage, and eventually made good recovery.