Chickenpox Is an Extremely Contagious Disease but Can Be Avoided by Vaccination
According to the data collected by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), over five months of this year, half as many cases of chickenpox were reported in Lithuania again as over the same period last year (11 879 and 7 473, respectively). This is explained by an increasing chickenpox incidence trend every 3-5 years (14 504 cases were reported in 2022, about 6 000 cases in 2021, about 4 300 cases in 2020, and 18 500 cases in 2019). We should bear in mind that the whole picture might be distorted because of COVID-19 pandemic, as lockdowns, social restrictions, and socializing in small family "bubbles" reduced the chances of chickenpox virus spread.
In order to prevent the rise in incidence, it is necessary the majority among children were vaccinated. Although chickenpox is considered by many to be a mild childhood disease, it can also cause serious complications whereas vaccination can protect against chickenpox and its potentially severe complications.
Rash is a sign of chickenpox
Chickenpox spreads easily through the air when someone with chickenpox coughs, sneezes, or talks. It is also possible to get infected directly through the skin, by touching rashes (both from a person with chickenpox and from a person with shingles) or indirectly through objects contaminated with blister secretions.
First symptoms appear 2-3 weeks after infection and may resemble a cold: fever, weakness, and malaise may occur. Later, spots begin to appear, which are topped by vesicles filled with clear liquid, which, when ruptured, form scabs. First pink spots can appear on any part of the body: on the abdomen, thighs, shoulders, chest, as well as on the face and hairy part of the head.
A sick person is considered contagious 1-2 days before the appearance of the rash, the contagious period lasts until the rash turns into scabs (about a week).
Can cause serious complications
Serious complications of chickenpox include: bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues, pneumonia, brain inflammation, sepsis, dehydration. Infants, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and individuals immunocompromised from receipt of immunosuppressive medications (HIV/AIDS or post-transplant patients, individuals undergoing chemotherapy or long-term steroid treatment) are at greater risk.
Virus remains in the body
After a person has had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus can remain inactive in the body for many years. Herpes zoster (shingles) occurs when the virus becomes active again.
The number of vaccinated people is increasing
Vaccination against chickenpox is recommended for all children who have never had chickenpox, especially those who attend kindergartens and schools, those who suffer from chronic conditions, have a weakened immune system, as well as adults who look after sick people and have never had chickenpox.
NPHC specialists point out that pregnant women, as well as persons who have recently received a blood transfusion or received immunoglobulin, should not be vaccinated against chickenpox.
In Lithuania, vaccination against chickenpox is not free. The vaccination schedule consists of two doses. To get the vaccine, you should contact your family doctor.
Although no vaccine is 100% effective, chickenpox cases after full vaccination are extremely rare, and if they occur the symptoms are milder (there may be no itchy blisters, but only red spots, and fever is avoided).
According to the data obtained by NPHC, over January-April/2023 the rates of vaccination against chickenpox increased by 60 % among adults (444) and by 40 % among children (3 468) compared to the same period in the previous year.
Last updated: 14-06-2023
Related news:
NPHC Recommendations to Residents Regarding the Fire in Šilutė
Preliminary Overview of the 2025–2026 Influenza Season
Flu Season Is Ending: Incidence Rates Lower Than at the Same Time Last Year
Respiratory infection morbidity is decreasing
NPHC Provides Guidance on How toAct When Air Pollution Increases