Spike in Chickenpox Cases Reported in Louisville
Health officials in Louisville have reported a significant increase in chickenpox cases in the city last month. According to a recent news release from the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, 14 chickenpox cases have been confirmed so far in 2024, with seven of those occurring in November alone.
This represents a worrying trend compared to 2023, which saw a total of 13 cases. The increase has primarily affected children and adults who have not been vaccinated against chickenpox or are too young to receive the vaccine.
Dr. Kris Bryant, associate medical director of the Department of Public Health and Wellness, emphasized the importance of vaccination. ‘While the vaccine is the surest method of prevention, it’s not recommended for children until they are 12-15 months old,’ she explained. Individuals who have contracted chickenpox previously are usually protected from future infections.
Common symptoms of chickenpox include fever and itchy, blister-like rashes. The virus can spread through direct contact with the blisters or via respiratory droplets from a person who is infected, particularly when they cough or sneeze. According to Dr. Bryant, ‘A person with chickenpox is usually contagious for one to two days before the blisters become scabs.’
In light of this rise in cases, Dr. Bryant urged parents and guardians to consider discussing the chickenpox vaccine with their healthcare provider. ‘We can protect children from this potentially dangerous illness,’ she stated.
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