COLDWATER, MI — After a recent press release notified the public about five confirmed cases of chickenpox in the area served by the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, Michigan area communities have been given little additional information.
What do we know about who was infected and where?
The five cases of chickenpox involve children.
Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention Kris Dewey said, “Because of the fact that we’re talking about kiddos, we are not releasing any particular county.”
No details were released on the specifics of these cases, while the health agency urged residents to be aware of the symptoms.
Asked if those who might have been in contact with infected persons were notified, Dewey said, “Our team has followed our communicable disease process. So, notifications have been provided, and we’re working through that close contact process and a communicable disease investigation.”
Chickenpox at a glance:
Chickenpox is not just a childhood disease
Medical Director, Karen Luparello, D.O., emphasizes, “While chickenpox is often considered a mild childhood illness, its impact in adults can be more serious with complications and a higher risk of hospitalization. Prevention through vaccination remains a critical public health strategy to protect vulnerable populations.”
Most individuals who have received two doses of the varicella vaccine or have previously had chickenpox are considered protected.
Breakthrough cases can occur in vaccinated individuals and tend to be mild, with fewer blisters and little or no fever.
Dewey said, “We need to just make sure that the population is aware that there are cases in the community, and that if they have questions or concerns about their own immunity to the virus that they need to have that conversation with their primary care provider.”
What precautions can be taken to avoid chickenpox?
Do I need to get vaccinated?
The varicella vaccine is part of the recommended immunization schedule for children, which begins at birth and continues through adolescence.
For vaccination appointments, contact your primary care provider or your local health department.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Few new details available on Michigan chickenpox cases
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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