2024-04-26 09:42:21
According to NVSC data, in 2023 17,589 cases of chicken pox were registered in Lithuania, of which 96.2 percent. there were children under the age of 17, mostly under the age of 9. age (85.9%). Compared to 2022, 2023 the number of chickenpox registered in the country increased by 1.2 times.
Chickenpox is an acute viral disease characterized by fever, general malaise, and a rash on the skin and mucous membranes. Chickenpox is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person when he or she coughs, sneezes, or even talks, or indirectly through objects and environmental surfaces contaminated with vesicle secretions.
An infected person can spread the chickenpox virus 1-2 days before the appearance of the rash and be dangerous to others until all the elements of the rash are covered with scabs.
NVSC specialists draw attention to the fact that a mild form of chickenpox is usually contracted, but sometimes it can result in complications – meningitis, encephalitis caused by chickenpox, pneumonia or others. Chickenpox is especially dangerous for babies and pregnant women and those with weakened immunity.
Chickenpox can be prevented or eased by vaccination. Long-term protection is provided by two doses of the vaccine. It is recommended that you contact your family doctor or pediatrician regarding the availability of vaccinations against communicable diseases, including chicken pox vaccinations. Individuals are vaccinated against chicken pox at their own expense.
It is recommended to get vaccinated against chicken pox:
– for children from 12 months of age: all children who have not been sick before (especially those attending educational institutions, with chronic diseases, with a weakened immune system);
– for adults who care for patients and have not had chickenpox and for other persons who have a high risk of contact with this infection (employees of educational institutions, women who have not had chickenpox before and are planning to become pregnant, parents who are preparing to send a child to an educational institution, medical workers);
– for persons whose immune system is weakened or who suffer from chronic diseases (e.g. kidney, lung, oncological, etc.);
– people who have been in contact with a person with chickenpox are recommended to get vaccinated within 72 hours of the contact to prevent the disease or to develop a milder form of the disease.
According to NVSC data, in 2023 In Lithuania, 9,602 persons were vaccinated with the first dose of varicella vaccine. Last year, 8,492 residents of the country acquired long-term immunity after receiving the second dose of the vaccine, most of whom were children under 17 years of age – 7,922 (93.3%). During the first quarter of this year, 1,210 persons were vaccinated, compared to 2023, which is 7.2 percent. more than last year during the same period, but in order to control the mentioned infection, the scope of vaccination with varicella vaccine is not sufficient.
In order to avoid this infectious disease, it is also important to observe other preventive measures: isolation of the patient, wet cleaning of the environment, ventilation of the premises, cough and sneeze etiquette.
Children who have chickenpox can participate in the educational process only after they have fully recovered, but not earlier than 7-10 days after the appearance of the last rash. Regarding the treatment and return to the educational institution, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
2024-04-26 09:42:21