HPA advices to take precautionary measures for chickenpox

Health Protection Agency (HPA) of the Maldives has cautioned the public to take safety measures owing to the possibility of a smallpox outbreak.

HPA on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, said chickenpox cases have been rising recently, adding preventive measures are imperative. 

The agency shared precautionary instructions to the public as well.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). While commonly contracted by children, the disease is transmitted to adults as well.

Early symptoms in adolescents and adults are nausea, loss of appetite, muscle aches and headache. This is followed by rash or oral sores, malaise, and a low-grade fever.

The rash begins as small red dots on the fae, scalp, torse, upper arms and legs, and progress over 10 to 12 hours to small bumps, blisters and pustules. During the blister stage, patients will experience intense itching.

The disease may be transmitted through the air if a patient of chickenpox coughs. HPA said that until the pustules umbilify and progress towards formation of scabs, the disease can be transmittable.

Though contagious, the disease is vaccine-preventable.

HPA cautioned against visiting or being in close proximity of patients who have contracted the disease. 

The agency further advised anyone contracting the disease to isolate themselves from the rest of their family members, and to administer chickenpox vaccine if it was not administered previously.