Chickenpox spreading in the state as heat intensifies; number of patients cross 2000

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has warned that people should be cautious against chickenpox as the summer heat is intensifying in the state. So far, 2027 people have been diagnosed with chicken pox this month. More than 100 cases are reported every day.

Infants, teenagers, adults, pregnant women, immunocompromised people, HIV patients, cancer patients, those who have undergone organ transplants, those who use chemotherapy and steroid drugs, and those with long-term respiratory and skin diseases should be extra cautious as their health condition can become serious. People experiencing symptoms should seek treatment as soon as possible. Self-treatment should be avoided. Anyone in this category who has been in contact with a chicken pox patient or has symptoms should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

People who have never had chickenpox and who have not taken the vaccine are more likely to contract the disease. People who have never had chickenpox can avoid the disease by getting vaccinated within 72 hours of coming into contact with infected people.

Symptoms
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, body aches, loss of appetite, headache, and blisters on the body.