Your Community Builder

Chickenpox cases on the rise in youth

Most cases related to shingles exposure, health officials encourage chickenpox vaccination

Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials are reporting a recent increase in the number of cases of chickenpox reported in school-aged children.

And, at least half of these infections were acquired from an adult family member with shingles. Chickenpox, or varicella, can be a serious illness and is easily preventable with vaccination.

“The best way to protect yourself and your child from chickenpox is vaccination,” says Jessica Lopeman, a registered nurse and epidemiologist with DPHHS.

In 2022, there were 23 reported cases of chickenpox in Montana. Cases ranged in individ...

 

Reader Comments(0)