4 December 2019

Chickenpox Outbreak

 

We currently have a high number of children with diagnosis or symptoms of Chickenpox. With this in mind, we have contacted the Health Protection Team to ensure that we have the most up to date advice.

Chickenpox (chicken pox), is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Although uncomfortable, most people recover within 1-2 weeks. There is a blister-like rash, which can first appear on the face and trunk, and then spreads throughout the body. Your child might get symptoms before or after the spots, including:

a high temperature above 38C
aches and pains, and generally feeling unwell
loss of appetite.

The virus is most infection from 2 days before until 5 days after the spots come out and so children must be kept at home for this time. The spots must have scabbed over before the child returns to school.

If you are pregnant, have compromised immunity or have any other reason to be concerned about your own or your child's protection against the illness, please contact your GP or consultant.