Health officials in Montserrat have sounded the alarm on an increase in cases of chickenpox on the island.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services did not reveal how many cases of the contagious virus were discovered but said there was a “notable uptick in confirmed cases of chickenpox over the past seven days.”
Islanders have been advised to exercise caution and stay away from people exhibiting signs of infection such as fever, “flu-like” symptoms, fatigue and an itchy rash of blister-like bumps covering the body.
The ministry said chickenpox is caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus.
“Chickenpox is usually a mild illness in healthy children and healthy adults with most persons recovering in seven to 14 days.
However, certain populations such as infants, pregnant women, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems are at risk of severe complications such as bacterial infections of the skin, infection of the lungs and brain, bleeding problems, bloodstream infections and dehydration,” the ministry stated.
