This news item expired on Saturday, June 10, 2017 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
RECENT OUTBREAK OF VARICELLA
As you might know, so far during this current school year we have had outbreaks of Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, at several schools in our county. In Buncombe County we lead the state in the percentage of kindergartners who have not received all of their required immunizations. In some of our schools, close to 25% of Kindergartners are not fully immunized, increasing the risk for future outbreaks.
It’s a common misconception that chickenpox is a harmless illness. It can be more severe and cause more complications in persons with weak immune systems, children under 1 year of age and adults. Severe complications from chickenpox include bacterial skin infections, blood stream infections, pneumonia, brain infections, and, in rare cases, death. Science tells us that immunization is safer than natural immunity. In the case of chickenpox, immunization also decreases the likelihood of developing shingles, a very painful rash, later in life.
For these reasons, we urge parents to get their children immunized.
If your child is not immune to chickenpox, either through immunization or evidence of a past infection, and there is an outbreak of chickenpox at their school, you have to keep them home from school and all activities outside the home for 21 days to keep them from getting infected and spreading the disease.
You and your children can get immunizations from your medical provider or at the BCHHS Immunization Clinic at 53 S. French Broad Avenue. We offer low-cost or in some cases, free immunizations. Our number is 828-250-5096 or you can visit buncombecounty.org/immunize
