Grant Co. Health District concerned about chickenpox incidences

WARDEN — The Grant County Health District has issued a press release indicating that there has been an increase in the instances of chickenpox over the past few months. GCHD is investigating outbreaks in multiple locations, including a childcare center in Warden that has affected several children who were not yet eligible for the chickenpox vaccine.

In response to the increase in cases, GCHD is encouraging everyone to verify their eligibility for the vaccine and get vaccinated to ensure protection from the virus that causes the issue. The vaccination usually requires two doses. Children can get their first dose at one year of age and their second after their fourth birthday.

According to the release, chickenpox is highly contagious and can have serious complications. Symptoms include an itch rash or blisters, fever, headache and fatigue.

Those who have weakened immune systems, newborns and pregnant women are at a higher risk for contracting the virus that causes chickenpox.

To reduce the risk of spreading chickenpox, those who have had it should ensure their fever is gone and that all of their blisters have scabbed over before going out in public.

For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/index.html.