Health Officials Report Uptick in Chickenpox Cases Across Buncombe County Youth

Buncombe County Health and Human Services Public Health staff are seeing an increase in varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, in children across Buncombe County. The children with chickenpox range from less than 1 year of age to teenage years. Chickenpox spreads easily from person to person. In communities with low vaccination rates, including some schools in Buncombe County, a case of chickenpox can turn into an outbreak quickly.

With this rise in cases, take some time to learn about how chickenpox spreads, the symptoms of chickenpox, and ways to ensure you and your family members stay healthy. Early detection and prompt isolation of people who have chickenpox are key to keeping vulnerable members of our communities healthy. Getting the chickenpox vaccine keeps kids in schools and our most vulnerable populations healthy.

About Chickenpox

Chickenpox is easily passed from one person to another through the air by coughing or sneezing, or through the fluid from a blister of a person who has chickenpox. Although it is usually a mild illness, it often causes children and their parents to miss days at school and work. In some people – especially children younger than 1 year of age, adolescents, adults, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant persons – chickenpox may cause more serious illness. However, even healthy children and adults can develop severe complications from chickenpox.  

Severe complications include: 

• Bacterial skin infections
• Bloodstream infections
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis (infection of the brain) 
• Death

People can get chickenpox if they have not been immunized against chickenpox or have not had chickenpox before. It is also possible for people who have been fully immunized against chickenpox or who have had chickenpox previously to get a milder case of chickenpox if they are exposed to chickenpox again. People who have been infected with chickenpox are at risk of getting herpes zoster (“shingles”) later in life, which can cause chronic pain.

Symptoms

The classic sign of chickenpox is a rash that turns into itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually turn into scabs. The rash may first show up on the chest, back, and face before it spreads to the rest of the body. A person with chickenpox may have as many as 500 blisters.

It takes 10 to 21 days to develop symptoms after being exposed to a person with chickenpox. Someone with chickenpox can spread the infection to others one to two days before their rash starts. They will remain contagious until all their blisters have formed scabs, which usually takes about one week.

Treatment

Most cases of chickenpox in healthy children are treated with bed rest, fluids, and fever control. People who are at high risk for severe illness from chickenpox may need additional treatment from their healthcare provider. 

Prevention

The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get a chickenpox vaccine. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical professionals recommend children get the first dose of chickenpox vaccine at 1 year of age. A second dose is recommended at 4 to 6 years of age, prior to starting school.  

Anyone over 1 year of age who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine should get the vaccine as soon as possible after being exposed (ideally, within three days). The vaccine may prevent illness or prevent the disease from being as serious if given within this time frame. Receiving the vaccination may also prevent future illness from chickenpox. 

Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, Buncombe County Medical Director says, “As a parent, I want to do everything I can to protect my child from harm both now and in the future. Vaccination against chickenpox and other infections is one of the most effective ways we have as parents to protect our children and help them thrive. It also is a way for each of us to protect the more vulnerable members of our communities – babies, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.”

Buncombe County Public Health professionals recommend that parents fully vaccinate children at their health care provider’s office or at the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Immunization Clinic located at 40 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville. The clinic can be reached at 828-250-5096 with any questions about immunizations or to schedule an appointment.

What to Do If You Suspect Chickenpox

If you or your child develops symptoms of chickenpox, such as a rash and fever, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation. This is especially important with the ongoing rise in measles, another highly contagious illness with rash and fever, across the U.S. including just down the road in Upstate South Carolina. 

To protect others, please call ahead if you or your child has a rash and fever and are planning to visit any type of healthcare facility. 

Those with chickenpox must stay home, away from people who are at high risk of severe illness, until all their sores have crusted over and they feel better. 

Chickenpox Resources

U.S. Centers for Disease Control - About Chickenpox
About the Chickenpox Vaccines
Chickenpox Vaccine Saves Lives Infographic English | Spanish