Chickenpox cases rising in Ekm

Kochi: The air-borne chickenpox disease is on the upswing with Ernakulam witnessing 309 cases in February and 246 cases in January this year, as per data from the district medical office. Till March 15, the month saw 170 cases being reported.

Last year, there were 156 chickenpox cases in December with a total of 1,104 instances reported in 2022. In 2021, when Covid-related restrictions were still in place, 297 cases were reported.

Chickenpox, caused by varicella zoster virus, quickly spreads from person to person through air. It starts with blister-like rashes on the body and is often accompanied by fever, dizziness, headache, body pain and fatigue.

“The rise in chickenpox cases has nothing to do with the rising temperature. The infection spreads when blisters appear on the body. The incubation period is two weeks. The mortality in the infection is very rare. But those with underlying diseases and the elderly should be careful. The infection won’t spread when the eruption of blisters is completed,” said Dr Junaid Rehman, former president, of IMA-Ernakulam chapter.

Though no death has been reported this year so far, a woman died of chickenpox in January last year. She was also suffering from comorbid diseases. Doctors advise that people with symptoms of the disease must isolate themselves to prevent the infection from spreading to others.

“The patient should seek medical treatment when rashes appear on the body to avoid any complications later. Pneumonia or diarrhea can develop if the infection gets complicated. Otherwise, it is self limiting. If pregnant women are infected, they should also be very careful. Vaccine is available to prevent the disease. Since the vaccine is not mandatory, it is not available in government hospitals,” said a doctor from the government sector.

Meanwhile, H1N1 cases are also rising in the district with eight probable cases being reported in January this year. Probable cases rose to 12 in February and one death was reported.

As many as 51 probable leptospirosis cases were recorded in the district in January and February this year.