Public Health officials are stressing the importance of vaccination as the best defense against this highly contagious viral infection.
Chickenpox spreads easily through the air by coughing or sneezing or by contact with the fluid from a blister. Officials warn that in communities with low vaccination rates, a single case can quickly escalate into an outbreak.
Key Information on Chickenpox
While chickenpox is often a mild illness, it can cause children to miss school and parents to miss work. For certain vulnerable groups—including children younger than one year, adolescents, adults, pregnant persons, and those with weakened immune systems—chickenpox can lead to more serious illness.
Severe complications can include:
Bacterial skin and bloodstream infections
Pneumonia
Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
Death
Even those who have had chickenpox or the vaccine can get a milder "breakthrough" case upon re-exposure. Importantly, people who have been infected with chickenpox are at risk of developing herpes zoster ("shingles") later in life, which can cause chronic pain.
Symptoms and Contagion
The classic sign is a rash that develops into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over. The rash typically starts on the chest, back, and face before spreading.
Incubation: Symptoms appear 10 to 21 days after exposure.
Contagious Period: A person can spread the infection one to two days before the rash starts and remains contagious until all blisters have formed scabs, which usually takes about one week.
Prevention and Treatment
The chickenpox vaccine is the most effective preventative measure. The recommended schedule for children is:
First Dose: At 1 year of age.
Second Dose: At 4 to 6 years of age, before starting school.
Buncombe County Public Health recommends that anyone over the age of one who has never had chickenpox or the vaccine should get vaccinated as soon as possible after being exposed—ideally within three days—to prevent illness or reduce its severity.
Most cases in healthy children are treated with bed rest, fluids, and fever control. Those at high risk for severe illness may require additional medical treatment.
Medical Director’s Perspective
Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, Buncombe County Medical Director, emphasized the role of immunization in community health, stating:
“As a parent, I want to do everything I can to protect my child from harm both now and in the future. Vaccination against chickenpox and other infections is one of the most effective ways we have as parents to protect our children and help them thrive. It also is a way for each of us to protect the more vulnerable members of our communities – babies, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.”
Next Steps for Parents
If you suspect you or your child has chickenpox, such as a rash and fever, call your healthcare provider ahead of time before visiting any healthcare facility to protect others. This precaution is especially important given the rise in other highly contagious illnesses, such as measles, in the region.
Those with chickenpox must stay home and isolate from high-risk individuals until all sores have crusted over and they feel better.
Parents can ensure their children are fully vaccinated at their regular health care provider's office or at the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Immunization Clinic located at 40 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville. The clinic can be reached at 828-250-5096 for questions or to schedule an appointment.
WNCTimes