Six cases of highly contagious chickenpox have been confirmed within the local school system, prompting the Public Health Department to host a special vaccination clinic this Saturday to counter its spread.
As of Wednesday, six cases, involving five students and one teacher, across two schools, had been reported.
The names of the schools involved were not released.
In a memorandum from Dr. Samuel Williams Rodriguez, acting medical officer of health, which was circulated to medical professionals on Wednesday, he urged extra vigilance in identifying potential chickenpox cases, especially among school-aged children.
“Pay close attention to patients presenting with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and the characteristic itchy, blister-like rash,” he said.
He reminded that chickenpox is a notifiable disease.
“It is imperative that any suspected or confirmed cases be reported immediately to the Public Health Department. Use the standard reporting protocol to ensure timely and accurate data collection, which is crucial for managing and controlling the outbreak,” he advised.
Williams, in a subsequent media statement on Wednesday night on the cases, said, given the highly contagious nature of chickenpox, “we are undertaking swift and effective action to mitigate the spread and safeguard the health of the school community and the broader public”.
Williams, emphasising the need for vigilance and vaccination, said chickenpox is a “common but preventable disease”.
He added, “We urge parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated. The upcoming clinic provides an excellent opportunity to get protected.”
Contagious nature
Chickenpox is caused by the the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has chickenpox, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
“Symptoms include an itchy, blister-like rash in addition to other symptoms. Chickenpox illness usually lasts about 4 to 7 days. Children usually miss 5 to 6 days of school or childcare due to chickenpox. For most people, getting chickenpox once provides immunity for life. A person can get chickenpox more than once, but it is uncommon,” the CDC said.
The Public Health Department says it is working closely with the schools and relevant healthcare providers to manage the situation and prevent further spread of the disease locally.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent, in the statement, reassured the public that all necessary measures are being taken “to contain these cases and protect our community”.
“Our collaboration with schools and healthcare providers is crucial in this effort. We encourage everyone to follow the preventive guidelines provided,” he added.
The CDC states that chickenpox mainly spreads from unvaccinated people with chickenpox to others who have never had the virus.
“Up to 90% of people who are not immune and close to someone with chickenpox will also get infected. A person with chickenpox is contagious 1 to 2 days before the rash begins, until all the chickenpox lesions have crusted (scabbed over)”.
If a vaccinated person gets the disease, the CDC said, they can still spread it to others.
“Vaccinated people who get chickenpox may develop lesions that do not crust. These people are contagious until no new lesions have appeared for 24 hours,” it added.
Special clinic
The Public Health special vaccination clinic is open to primary and secondary school children who were not immunised with the chickenpox vaccine as infants, as well as any primary and secondary school teachers who are not vaccinated.
The clinic will be held Saturday, 8 June, from 9am to 2pm at the Public Health Department, Smith Road Medical Centre.
Public Health officials note that subsequent vaccination clinics are being organised.
For more information, contact the Public Health Department at 244-2889 or email [email protected].
Preventive Measures
To help contain the spread of the disease, the Public Health Department is recommending that members of the public ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
“The chickenpox vaccine is effective in preventing the disease. The varicella vaccine is 92% effective at preventing all varicella. In the Cayman Islands, the varicella vaccine has been included in the vaccination schedule since 1996,” it said.
It has urged residents to monitor for symptoms such as fever, and an itchy, blister-like rash.
“Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals,” it added.
“We appreciate the community’s cooperation and support in managing this public health concern,” the statement added.
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