Lester Calder said while the virus was usually without complication, for some people chickenpox could be severe. Photo / Sarah Bicknell
Health authorities yesterday moved to prevent an outbreak of chickenpox in Hawke's Bay.
The move comes with at least seven cases reported in Central Hawke's Bay. While not a large number, it is more than normal, indicating more will emerge during the next few days.
While cases didn't have to
be reported, there was "anecdotal evidence" of spread to other areas, Medical Officer of Health Dr Lester Calder said. Statistics show 85 per cent of those who come in contact with chickenpox catch it. A viral infection most common in children and at this time of the year, it is highly infectious, from two to three days before spots appear to several days after they start disappearing.
Those with symptoms are being asked to keep away from public places, including schools.
Dr Calder said while the virus was usually without complication, for some people chickenpox could be severe. "For women who are pregnant and not immune to chickenpox, newborn babies and people known to have a weakened immune system chickenpox can cause serious complications," he said.
