The Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services has noted an increase in the number of chickenpox/varicella cases being reported this year as compared with 2015, particularly on the island of Providenciales. Despite education and advice by health care providers to persons and parents of children diagnosed with the illness, there are still reports of new cases and issues with some parents’ reluctance to keep their child/children away from school while they are ill.
For the entire year (2015) a total of 98 cases of chicken pox were reported by TCI Hospital in Providenciales. Of these, 23(23%) were reported by persons under 5 years old and 75 (77%) were reported by persons over the age of 5 years.
As of the end of the week of April 23, a total of 327 cases have been reported for 2016. Of these, 41 (13%) were reported by persons < 5 years old and 296 (87%) were reported by persons > 5 years old. These cases were reported by TCI Hospital on Providenciales 234 (72%) and Grand Turk 5 (1%); with 28 cases in North Caicos and 60 (18%) cases in clinics in Providenciales. In summary, the majority cases are being reported from Providenciales (90%).
Chickenpox/varicella is an acute viral illness characterized by fever and a generalized itchy blister-like rash that can spread over the whole body. Chickenpox/varicella generally begins with this blister like-rash which lasts for about 3 to 4 days, after this time the blisters will rupture/burst forming a crust and leaving a scab.
Chickenpox/varicella is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person by direct contact, droplet or airborne spread of the fluid from the lesions/blisters, secretions from the respiratory tract (lungs) of the infected person and from items freshly soiled by persons who have chickenpox. The period when the blister ruptures is the time when the chickenpox is most likely to spread. An individual can be ill with chickenpox for up to 21 days, however, in most cases the illness will last up to 16 days.
The individual who is ill with chickenpox must avoid close contact with others in the home until the blisters are dry and crusted. Continuous disinfection of surfaces, linen and clothing must be done to prevent spread within the household. It is critical that all individuals ill with chickenpox must remain home for a period of 14 days to prevent spread. Teachers and parents of school-aged children especially are asked to remain vigilant in identifying and removing children from the school population who are coming to school with a blister-like rash on the skin.
The Ministry of Health strongly advises persons affected with chickenpox to remain at home during their sick leave period to prevent further spread of this illness within the community and schools. Information has been shared with schools in relation to precautions to be taken as a result of chickenpox.
Chickenpox is generally mild illness in healthy children, however adults are at risk for more severe disease and have a higher incidence of complications. Additionally, special precautions should be taken for anyone (of any age) with impaired immunity, accompanying chronic diseases, elderly, infants and pregnant patients.
In most cases, chickenpox gets better without the need for specific treatment. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications and may include: bed rest, extra fluids to drink – to avoid dehydration, paracetamol to bring down the fever (aspirin should be avoided because of a possible increased risk of complications), lukewarm baths with baking soda or oatmeal added to the water and cream, such as calamine lotion, to reduce the itching. If the fever persists, it is advised to re-visit the doctor.
The Ministry of Health Agriculture and Human Services will continue to take measures to educate the general public in measures to prevent the further spread of chickenpox and encourages everyone to follow instructions provided by their health care providers.
For further information on chicken pox please contact any of the primary health care facilities or the Health Promotion and Advocacy Department on 338 2772.