GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Nov 25 2016 – Guyana health authorities said that more than 100 cases of chicken pox have been recorded at a secondary school but has sought to assure students that the situation is “under control”.
Public Health Minister George Norton said that 164 cases had been recorded last week at the Paramakatoi Secondary School dormitory and that while the situation is one which is “worrying” nevertheless it is, “under control.”
He said the Public Health Ministry is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to contain the outbreak.
Norton also disclosed that medical and environmental teams have been dispatched and are working to prevent the spread of the virus and treat all infected children.
Pharmaceuticals to treat the virus have also been sent to the region along with the varicella vaccine.
Dr. Oneka Scott who is the focal point for Adolescent Health at the Ministry of Public Health said that the varicella vaccine is a preventative one that targets vulnerable groups.
The varicella virus commonly known as chicken pox is air borne and can be spread by droplets of saliva from coughing, sneezing, talking or even breathing along with sharing utensils. The virus has an incubation period of 10-21 days and symptoms include headaches, fever (mild to moderate), and appearance of rash on the abdomen that spreads to other parts of the body.
