Chicken Pox is spreading, HPA warns

Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Tuesday revealed that the number of people contracting Chicken Pox in Maldives is on the raise. 

Speaking to 'Sun', a media official from the agency stated that recently, compared to normal times, the number of people seeking treatment for Chicken Pox has increased. 

However, HPA did not give specific numbers regarding this.

Additionally, some of the government companies have urged employees to be cautious of Chicken Pox as well.

CDC defines Chicken Pox as "a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)."

It can cause an itchy, blister-like rash, that first appears on the chest, back, and face, and then spreads over the entire body, causing between 250 and 500 itchy blisters. It lasts up to four to seven days. 

Moreover, it is especially serious for babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and people with bodies that have a lowered ability to fight germs and sickness (weakened immune system).

The most significant symptom is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs.  Other symptoms such as fever, tiredness, loss of appetite and headache may appear a few days prior to the rash.

The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine, that everyone-including children, adolescents, and adults- can get.  

Additional measures include covering when sneezing and coughing, frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with a person who has the virus.