Asuncion, IP Agency.- The Ministry of Public Health has issued a series of preventive measures against chickenpox cases. Paraguay has registered more than 900 cases of the disease so far this year, 75 percent more than the number registered last year at this time.
According to the report from the health portfolio, from 2024 to EW 32, 1,019 notifications of suspected chickenpox have been registered in the country, of which 973 were confirmed cases, 75 percent more than what was registered the previous year at this time, where 557 cases of the disease were identified.
The trend in reported cases of chickenpox shows a similar trend to previous years. However, in week (SE) 14 to week (SE) 19, an increase in notifications was recorded with an average of 50 reported cases per week.
The largest number of people affected by chickenpox come from the Central department (261 cases), followed by Asunción (151 cases) and Itapúa (105 cases).
Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), characterized by skin rashes.
In addition to the circulation of chickenpox, there is a latent risk of introducing the new MPOX monkeypox clade Ib into the country, so the population is urged to seek immediate medical attention if skin rashes appear, for differential diagnosis.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that early detection of these diseases is key to preventing their spread.
Chickenpox can be serious
Chickenpox occurs mainly in unvaccinated people. It can cause complications in babies, adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. They may require hospitalization due to this disease, which can cause death.
The most severe cases are usually recorded in young children, hence the importance of getting vaccinated against this disease.
Data from the Expanded Immunization Program (EPI) show low coverage of chickenpox vaccinations. So far in 2024, 44% of people have been vaccinated with the first dose of the vaccine, which is administered at 15 months of age, and only 29% have received the booster dose, which is indicated at 5 years of age.
Symptoms of chickenpox
It appears as a rash on the stomach, back and face, which can spread to the entire body, producing itchy blisters. Other symptoms of this virus include fatigue, headache and fever.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical advice for diagnosis and timely treatment, and avoid self-medication.
It is important to avoid going to work sick; it is also not advisable to take children to school or daycare in these conditions.
Transmission
The infection spreads from one person to another through contact with the liquid from the chickenpox blister. It is also transmitted when a person with chickenpox coughs or sneezes. It occurs mainly in children, which does not rule out identification in other age groups.
A person with chickenpox can spread the disease from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and until all the chickenpox blisters have crusted over (usually 5 to 7 days). For monkeypox, this can last up to 20 days or more, during which time the person remains contagious.
Prevention
The best way to prevent chickenpox is through vaccination. It is given at 15 months and 5 years of age.
The vaccine prevents contracting severe forms or complications of the disease.
In case of contracting chickenpox
Rest: do not go to school, work or public places until 5 days after the blisters have dried, to prevent contagion.
Intensify hygiene at home: Clean surfaces and equipment that may be contaminated with respiratory secretions from the patient or with secretions or vesicular fluid.
Attention: If cases of chickenpox are recorded in the workplace, educational institutions or daycare centers, fumigation is not necessary.
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2024-08-29 13:26:08
