HPA has stated that chickenpox is spreading rapidly across Male' area and Faafu Atoll, advising the residents of these areas to implement precautionary measures and stay safe from the disease.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced the escalated spread of Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox and implored the public to remain safe.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (ZVZ) of the herpesvirus group. The virus remains dormant in the body after the primary infection, which in some cases, later reactivates in the body to cause the second stage of the virus, shingles, an illness characterized by rashes spread across one side of the body, oftenmost the torso.
A media official of HPA shared with Mihaaru News that the reported patients of the disease is greater this year than the numbers reported during this period last year.
While 228 cases of the disease were reported last month, 215 cases were reported this month thus far.
HPA further highlighted that the highest case reports were observed from the province of Male', closely followed by Faafu Atoll.
The blistering red rash that covers the body once contracted with the disease are highly itchy. Within three days of the initial rash, these fluid -filled blisters that break quickly into dry scabs will spread across the body.
Symptoms of the disease:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Watery nose
- Developing fluid-filled blisters on the skin
Additional symptoms of chickenpox includes loss of appetite, headaches, coughing, throat pain and stomach aches.
As chickenpox is highly contagious, there are chances of contracting the disease through respiratory exposure to an infected individual’s coughs or sneezes. Furthermore, caressing the infected area of a patient and use of items belonging to a patient such as a towel may also increase chances of contracting the disease.
In addition to vaccinating and avoiding the outdoors, HPA had further advised patients to isolate themselves from their housemates once contracted with the disease.
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