• Confirmed Case: An acute illness with maculo-papulovesicular rash and epidemiologic link to another confirmed case or laboratory confirmation. Unvaccinated person with 200-400 lesions. 
• Probable Case: An acute illness with maculo-papulovesicular rash and lack of epidemiologic link to another confirmed or probable case or lack of laboratory confirmation. 
• Breakthrough Case: Vaccinated cases that are milder, less contagious, have lower fever and fewer lesions (<50). Lesions are often maculopapular instead of vesicular. Atypical appearance often leads to misdiagnosis. Consider laboratory confirmation given atypical appearance.

Suspect Cases should be reported within 24 hours.  

Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.

Complete the: Online Case Report Form (preferred)

or CDPH Case Report Form
Fax Form To: (312) 746-6388
Questions: (312) 743-9000

Sign up for electronic reporting through the

Illinois National Electronic Disease & Surveillance System (I-NEDSS)  

1. Provide education and technical assistance to providers
2. Conduct  public health investigation on all positive cases by confirming patient diagnosis; ensure appropriate medical follow-up; locate persons who may have been exposed; and provide education on post-exposure prophylaxis.
3. Implement control measures for outbreaks
4. Provide training, education and access to the Illinois National Disease Surveillance System
5. Ensure provider reporting is completed on all chicken pox cases

IDPH Chickenpox Overview

CDC VZV Overview

CDC Guidelines for Collection Specimens

Varicella Immunization Schedule

Varicella Clinical Guidelines and Commercial Lab Information