Health dept on alert after spike in chicken pox cases

The Institute of Child Health (ICH) has reported around 20 cases of chicken pox while hospitals across the State, including at Madurai, Salem and Vellore, have been witnessing a large number of cases since January.

With 70 cases so far, Madurai has reported the highest number, while around 15 people were affected due to chicken pox in Salem. Vellore, too, recorded around 20 cases of chicken pox. The majority of cases being reported are between the age group of 6-14.

“We have seen around 10 cases on an average this summer, with 3-4 cases in the month of January and February. As the heat increases in summer, the cases of chicken pox also go up which is common in paediatrics. The incidence of measles and mumps also increase,” said ICH director Dr Arasar Seeralar.

Children are vaccinated against chicken pox at 18 months, followed by a booster shot at the age of four and a half years. According to Dr Mathrubootham Sridhar, a paediatrician, an individual is more likely to get infected from the same age group, as their immunity response and exposure level to infection are similar. “The infection is highly contagious, and children are at a high risk of contracting it in schools. Therefore, home isolation and vaccination are very important. If the child has not been vaccinated against chicken pox, parents should stay aware,” he said.

The State Health Department has roped in rapid response teams and health education personnel of respective districts for the surveillance of the outbreak. House-to-house survey has been conducted in all places where the outbreak was reported.

“The outbreak is in control in Salem and Vellore, while surveillance has been increased in Madurai. There are few cases in Chennai, but there is no outbreak as of now. All the patients have been treated symptomatically and sensitised on personal hygiene and home isolation,” said Public Health Director Dr K Kolandaisamy.