The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has advised the public to remain vigilant as the seasonal spread of chickenpox continues in Tamil Nadu till April.
Director of Public Health T.S. Somasundaram said cases have been on the rise in neighbouring Kerala, and with the transition from winter to warmer months, the spread of the viral infection typically increases. In Tamil Nadu, the peak transmission period is between February and April.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, through direct contact with fluid from blisters, or by sharing contaminated clothes and utensils.
The illness usually begins with mild fever, fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite, followed by the appearance of small fluid-filled blisters that spread across the body. The blisters rupture within a day or two, dry up and form scabs. While the disease is generally mild in children, pregnant women, infants and those with weakened immunity are at higher risk of complications.
The Health Department has stressed the importance of early detection, isolation and proper medical care. The public has been advised to wash hands frequently, cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and consume nutritious and well-hydrated food.
Infected persons should remain isolated at home until all blisters dry up, usually within seven to 10 days. Children recovering from chickenpox should return to school only after complete recovery.
Clothes and bed linen used by infected persons should be washed in hot water or disinfectant. Individuals showing symptoms have been urged to seek treatment at the nearest government primary health centre, government hospital or government medical college hospital.
For further information, the public can contact the 24-hour health helpline at 104, he said.
