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EASTERN LAKES - 12 Feb 2019

Eastern Lakes State reports outbreak of Chickenpox

Health authorities in South Sudan’s Eastern Lakes State say there is an outbreak of chickenpox in parts of the state since January.

Mariam Paul Eastern Lakes State’s health minister told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that since the beginning of the year about 32 people have been infected with the disease and were put on medication.

She pointed out that despite efforts by health authorities in the state to contain the outbreak, inadequate drugs and lack of vaccines has been a major hindrance. She added that 20 people have fully recovered.

“Until Sunday, only 12 people are still under treatment, the rest have recovered. We are monitoring the situation and the disease is under control. The only problem is that we lack vaccines,” she said.

Minister Mariam is urging health agencies in the country to assess the situation and supply vaccines and drugs in order to contain the spread of the disease.

According to the World Health Organization, chickenpox also known as Varicella is an acute and highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is characterized by itchy blisters that appear all over the body.  Chickenpox is spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with skin wounds of the infected person.

Chickenpox can be serious, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get immunized against it.