By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

The Bureau of Public Health warned the community about the rise in cases of chicken pox which affects mostly children under five years of age.
The bureau in a statement said that there are reported 60 cases of chicken pox.
"This is a public reminder that although children are most at risk, any previously un-exposed adult is also at risk," the statement said,
The statement said that chicken pox is a common childhood virus that could easily spread through touching and sharing of food and toys.
It added that Japan is currently experiencing an outbreak of measles so that it is critical that the public report any fever or rash symptoms in Palau.
It added that although there are no measles cases in Palau, health authorities are on alert regarding chicken pox because both produce fever and rash.
The bureau said to prevent the spread of disease, children who have fever or rash should not be sent to school.
The bureau also announced tips on treating chicken pox by using wet compresses , calamine lotion and keeping the skin cool to ease itchy rash , or bathe on oatmeal or baking soda to relieve itching and encourage children to wash their hands and keep nails shot to prevent scratching and infecting the chicken pox blister.
The bureau added that the use of aspirin should be prevented to treat chickenpox as this can cause a serious reaction.
It added that Tylenol is advisable in treating fever and headache.