NSW Health says no to chickenpox parties

Chickenpox can be mild but may immunocompromised, infant, elderly and pregnant members of the community risk more severe symptoms and complications. Photo: ROYAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MELBOURNE

NSW Health has issued a public alert after a spike in chickenpox cases among school-aged children in the Northern Rivers.

Regional director of North Coast Population and Public Health, Dr Valerie Delpech, said Murwillumbah District Hospital had seen an increase in presentations related to chickenpox.

“Chickenpox can be a mild illness, but some people may have more severe symptoms and may develop complications,” Dr Delpech said.

“The risk of serious illness is highest for pregnant women, newborn babies, adults and people with weakened immune systems.”

The highly contagious varicella-zoster virus is not a notifiable disease in NSW, but Northern NSW Local Health District monitors cases through hospital visits.

Dr Delpech said vaccination remained the most effective way to prevent chickenpox.

“All children are recommended to receive the first dose of varicella vaccine at 18 months, delivered as part of the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine under the National Immunisation Program,” she said.

“Non-immune adolescents and adults should also receive two doses, especially if they are healthcare workers, planning pregnancy, or are in contact with immunosuppressed individuals.”

For more information, visit healthdirect.gov.au/chickenpox