chickenpox: the number of cases increased by 65% ​​in São Paulo; See what the symptoms are

the number of cases Chickenpoxthe common name for chickenpox, 65% in the city of São Paulo in 2022, compared to 2021 data. In all, there were 213 confirmed cases of the disease-causing varicella-zoster virus, and 56 outbreaks (when there was a sudden increase in cases) through October of this year. In 2021, São Paulo had 129 cases of chickenpox. The data is taken from a survey he conducted Sao Paulo City Council🇧🇷

Marcio Nhab, pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Fernández Figuera National Institute for Women, Child and Adolescent Health (IFF / Fiocruz), points out: Low immunization coverage Against chickenpox as a major cause of disease increase. Today, the quadruple viral vaccine, which prevents the disease, is coverage of less than 50% of the target population at the national level, According to an analysis by Observa Infância (Fiocruz / Unifase).

Therefore, at this time, the doctor estimates that it is “essential for people to update their children’s vaccination card as soon as possible and to remove children from schools if they develop symptoms of chickenpox.”

in Brazil, The most affected by the disease are children and unvaccinated people🇧🇷 This is because by contracting the disease once – which usually occurs in childhood, as the virus is highly contagious and easily transmitted in day care centers and schools – a person becomes immune to it.

“There is a chance of getting chickenpox twice, but, especially for people who have been vaccinated, the chance is very small and the person is likely to have a few lesions,” explains the infection specialist.

The Quadruple virus vaccine (SCR-V) available at National Immunization Program (PNI) And the Protects against chickenpox, mumps, measles and rubella. It must be applied in Two shotsOne is 15 months old and the other is 4 years old.

according to Fiocruzresponsible for the national production of immunogens, and The first dose of the vaccine already guarantees 85% protection. against chickenpox and With the second dose, the protection is 97%.🇧🇷 Thus, if infection with the virus occurs, symptoms tend to be milder and do not develop into serious conditions that require hospitalization.

In addition to viral tetra, there are also prevention vaccine It can be taken by people who have had recent contact with infected people. “You can take the blocking vaccine up to four days after contact with the infected person and this reduces your chances of getting chickenpox,” explains Marcio Nehab. Vaccination is also provided by Unified Health System (SUS)🇧🇷

The most common symptoms of chickenpox are: appearance Red spots or blisters on the body🇧🇷 Itch🇧🇷 Low to moderate fever with an average duration of four days, malaise🇧🇷 exhaustion🇧🇷 Headache And the Anorexia🇧🇷 It usually starts between 10 and 21 days after infection.

According to the doctor, the correct diagnosis of the disease is essential. “A person should look for a private health center or hospital,” he says. Generally, the disease is diagnosed after a clinical examination, however, chickenpox has it Same symptoms as smallpox 🇧🇷New name for MonkeyPox), in some cases it is necessary to perform a serological test to confirm the disease and to receive the correct indications for treatment.

In general, there is no specific treatment for chickenpox. Infectologists recommend caution with Skin hygieneAnd wash it regularly with soap and water. In addition, it is important to cut the nails well and Avoid scratching the pestsAs this increases the risk of secondary bacterial infection.

If the patient has a fever, the use of acetylsalicylic acid should be avoided as it may lead to complications. In severe cases of the disease, a drug called acyclovir may be indicated, but this depends on individual medical evaluation.

It is also important The patient is isolated for seven days From the appearance of skin lesions to avoid transmission.

Nathalie Del Vecchio, pediatrician and coordinator of the Hospital Infection Control Committee (CCIH) at IFF / Fiocruz, warns of the importance of avoiding infection and not underestimating the disease.

“In the past, many people encouraged children to get chickenpox so that they would not suffer from the disease as adults. But like other diseases, chickenpox can develop into dangerous forms and may even lead to death, even in healthy children,” says the doctor.

In some cases, chickenpox can lead to infection Severe secondary infectionswhich can cause frames Brain inflammationfor example, an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that can lead to death.

The patients immunity (people with autoimmune diseases, who have undergone organ transplants, are living with HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, etc.), Newborns and pregnant women are at risk.

Therefore, infection should not be encouraged. This is a completely incorrect directive. Only the vaccine protects against infection,” the doctor continues.

“Even if the child has not been vaccinated by the specified age and the vaccine is late, parents can and should take them to the health center, where they will be vaccinated and protected against chickenpox.”

The municipal health secretariat said that “some circumstances” may explain the discharge, such as “the turnover of children after a long period of intermittent social isolation imposed by the Covid-19 epidemic in 2020 and 2021, which increases the risk of more children being exposed at the same time to various viruses.” that spread in the environments.

“The agency explains that notification of an outbreak is made when there is a record of a case of chickenpox in specific settings, such as day care centers, hospitals, and schools, among others,” detailed vol.

The Secretariat also indicated that outbreaks are subject to investigation by epidemiological surveillance teams, “which determine the health measures to be applied in places where they occur, such as: removal of suspected cases until complete recovery from symptoms, hand hygiene, and disinfection of potentially contaminated objects.” .

From January through Tuesday, 116,004 doses of the disease vaccine were administered to children between 1 and 3 months old and 144,758 to children between 4 years old, according to a municipal filing.

All Primary Health Care (UBS) and Ambulatory Medical Assistance (AMA)/UBS integrated units offer chickenpox vaccination and other mandatory vaccines in the adult vaccination schedule free of charge and without the need for prior appointment, Monday through Friday. Friday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. 7 p.m., and on Saturdays, the AMAs/UBSs integrated at the same time.”