(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation is seeing an increase in chickenpox cases within the CNMI. Since June 15, 2022, there have been seven reported cases of chickenpox.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus spreads easily from people with chickenpox to others who have never had the disease or never been vaccinated. The virus spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has chickenpox or shingles.
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine. Call the CHCC Immunization Program at (670) 236-8745 to ensure that you or your loved ones are up to date with their vaccinations.
The CDC recommends two doses of chickenpox vaccine for children, adolescents, and adults. Children should receive two doses of the vaccine — the first dose at 12 through 15 months old and a second dose at 4 through 6 years old.
People with active or recently diagnosed chickenpox should inform their family or friends to stay up to date with their vaccinations or inform health officials of their contact information so they may be properly treated.
The classic symptom of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. Other typical symptoms that may begin to appear 1 to 2 days before rash include: fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and headache.
It is important that you call your healthcare provider before visiting. For people exposed to chickenpox, call a healthcare provider if the person:
• Has never had chickenpox and is not vaccinated with the chickenpox vaccine
• Is less than 1 year old
• Is pregnant
• Has a lowered ability to fight germs and sickness (weakened immune system)
If these individuals get chickenpox, it can lead to more serious illness.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911, especially if you develop any of the following symptoms:
• Fever that lasts longer than 4 days
• Fever that rises above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius)
• Any areas of the rash or any part of the body becomes very red, warm, or tender, or begins leaking pus (thick, discolored fluid), as these symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection
• Difficulty waking up or confused behavior
• Difficulty walking
• Stiff neck
• Frequent vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe cough
• Severe abdominal pain
• Rash with bleeding or bruising (hemorrhagic rash)
For more information about CHCC programs, follow @cnmichcc on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; visit http://www.chcc.health; or call (670) 234-8950.
