A VZV-susceptible healthcare worker exposed to a patient with primary chickenpox should be furloughed for how many days after exposure?

• A. 8-21 days after exposure
• B. 1-3 days
• C. 22-28 days
• D. 0-7 days

Answer: (A)

Varicella exposure requires a furlough period that matches how long it can take for the virus to show up after contact. The incubation period for varicella is about 10–21 days after exposure, with most people developing symptoms around two weeks. To protect patients and staff, a susceptible healthcare worker who has been exposed is kept away from work for a window that covers that entire possible incubation period. That makes 8–21 days after exposure the best choice because it encompasses both the early and late ends of the incubation range, ensuring you don’t miss someone who could become infectious later. Shorter windows (1–3 days or 0–7 days) could miss a late-onset case, and a window like 22–28 days is longer than needed given the typical incubation distribution. Return to work if no symptoms develop by the end of the 21-day window.