Cases of suspected chickenpox reported

CHICKENPOX cases could be prevalent in the Western Cape. This is according to a pharmacist and a doctor.

However, the Western Cape Department of Health said it is not aware of a high number of infections.

They claim to have not been alerted to a high number of cases and that, as it is not notifiable, they do not keep stats.

The medical practitioners, who did not wish to be named, said although chickenpox isn’t a serious disease, there have been a number of patients reporting with its symptoms, including itchiness and rashes.

Mziyanda Ncedane, of Khayelitsha, who has chickenpox, says there have been a lot of complaints from residents in his area. He said he washes with Dettol to prevent it from spreading all over his body.

Mark van der Heever, Department of Health spokesman, said that because chickenpox “is not a notifiable medical condition”, medical practitioners do not necessarily test for it.

He added that it is highly contagious to those who haven’t had the disease or been vaccinated against it.

“In order not to infect others, avoid social contact while the chickenpox blisters are present,” said Van Heerden. School-going children should not attend school until all their blisters crust and fall off.”

Van der Heever said its vaccine is not part of the department’s routine childhood vaccination schedule but it can be purchased privately.

He cited characteristic symptoms as itchiness and a blister-like rash on the skin with flu-like symptoms.

“Chickenpox can be prevented by a vaccine. Treatment usually involves relieving symptoms, although high-risk groups may receive antiviral medication,” he said.