Kauai chickenpox outbreak doubles in size, reaches more schools
Hawaii health officials report a chickenpox outbreak on Kauai has doubled in size and spread to additional schools, prompting enhanced surveillance and school health measures.
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Chickenpox
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UK to include chickenpox vaccine in routine childhood immunizations for herd immunity
Aileen Moynagh reports on the introduction of free MMRV vaccines in Northern Ireland from January 2026 to prevent chickenpox, inspired by the severe case of Emily Walls, who nearly died from the illness as a toddler. The vaccine is highly effective and aims to reduce serious complications and hospitalizations, with health professionals emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent life-threatening outcomes.
UK launches NHS chickenpox vaccination for children
The UK has introduced a new combined chickenpox vaccine called MMRV into the NHS vaccination schedule for children, aiming to reduce severe cases and associated costs, with rollout starting in early January across the UK.
CDC Updates COVID-19 and Chickenpox Vaccine Guidelines and Recommendations
The CDC has updated its vaccination recommendations, now advising children under 4 to receive separate vaccines for chickenpox and MMR, and suggesting that adults under 65 decide on COVID-19 vaccination in consultation with healthcare providers. These changes have faced criticism from medical groups, citing concerns over vaccine safety and data interpretation, amid leadership changes at the CDC.
CDC Updates COVID-19 and Childhood Vaccination Guidelines
The CDC updated its immunization schedules to incorporate individual-based decision-making for COVID-19 vaccines and recommended standalone chickenpox vaccination for toddlers, based on recent safety evidence and risk-benefit analyses, emphasizing informed consent and personalized healthcare decisions.
Kennedy and HHS Expand US Vaccine Advisory Committees
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisory committee is set to vote on recommendations for COVID-19, hepatitis B, and chickenpox vaccines, amid concerns about potential impacts on public trust and vaccination programs, especially for low-income families. The committee, which includes anti-vaccine voices, is revisiting existing guidelines, raising questions about vaccine coverage and safety, with broader implications for public health policy.
Rising Stroke Cases in Children: Six-Year-Old's Dizzy Spell Reveals Serious Condition
Six-year-old Ottilie Atkins suffered a life-threatening stroke after a reactivated chickenpox infection caused brain swelling. Initially thought to be exhaustion, her symptoms included dizziness and vision issues. Strokes in young people are rare but increasing, with childhood cases affecting around 400 UK children annually. Ottilie's mother, Holly, is raising awareness and funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital, emphasizing the importance of early medical intervention and the 'BE FAST' campaign for recognizing stroke symptoms.
Should Seniors Without Chickenpox History Get Shingles Vaccine?
For individuals over 63 who have never had chickenpox, getting vaccinated is crucial due to the severe complications chickenpox can cause at an older age. The recommended approach is to first receive the chickenpox vaccine followed by the shingles vaccine, providing protection against both diseases. While the shingles vaccine alone is not approved for preventing chickenpox, it may offer some protection, though this is untested in healthy adults. The best course is to follow the evidence-based method of receiving both vaccines.
Washington Faces Surge in Whooping Cough Cases, Health Officials Urge Vaccination
Clark County, Washington, is experiencing a significant increase in whooping cough and chickenpox cases, primarily among unvaccinated children. Since the start of the year, 406 cases of whooping cough have been reported, the highest in the state, with 168 cases in the last two months alone. Chickenpox cases have also risen, with 50 reported since early 2024, including outbreaks in schools. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations to prevent these outbreaks, as both diseases are highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, especially in young children.
"NYC Chickenpox Outbreak: 90% of Cases in Unvaccinated Individuals"
A chickenpox outbreak in New York City has predominantly affected unvaccinated individuals, with 91.9% of cases among those without vaccination documentation. The outbreak, identified in October 2022, primarily involves recent migrants from Central and South America living in shelters. The report underscores the importance of high vaccination coverage to prevent transmission, especially in light of ongoing importations and exposures in shelters.
"NYC Chickenpox Outbreak: 90% of Cases in Unvaccinated Individuals"
Over 90% of the chickenpox cases in a New York City outbreak are among unvaccinated individuals, primarily recent migrants from Central and South America. The outbreak, identified in October 2022, has affected 873 people, with the majority being children and adolescents. The report underscores the importance of high vaccination coverage to prevent transmission, especially in shelters and residential facilities.
"Uncovering Misdiagnosed Chickenpox Cases in the US"
Due to the success of the chickenpox vaccination campaign in the US, the disease has become so rare that doctors are misdiagnosing it half the time. A report from the Minnesota Department of Health found that only 37 percent of suspected chickenpox cases actually tested positive for the virus, with one-fifth of those cases being 'breakthrough' chickenpox in vaccinated individuals. The study highlights the importance of laboratory confirmation of varicella, especially in vaccinated patients, and suggests that the clinical diagnosis of chickenpox can be unreliable. This diagnostic challenge is a consequence of the significant reduction in chickenpox cases following widespread vaccination.
Study Reveals Over 50% of Chickenpox Diagnoses are Inaccurate
A study in Minnesota found that over half of people diagnosed with chickenpox based on symptoms were actually negative for the virus, with some being infected with other viruses such as enterovirus or herpes simplex virus 1. The decline in chickenpox cases due to vaccination has made clinical diagnoses unreliable, leading to a push for expanded laboratory testing to confirm suspected cases. The study underscores the importance of accurate diagnoses, as those suspected of having chickenpox are advised to stay home longer than those with other viral infections.
"Concerns Rise Over Chickenpox Outbreak in Migrant Shelters"
Six cases of chickenpox at a migrant shelter in Roxbury, Massachusetts have raised concerns about the state's response to the health needs of migrant families. Public health experts and activists emphasize the importance of ensuring migrants are up-to-date on vaccinations as they move into shelters. While state officials took precautions after the cases were identified, questions remain about vaccination clinics and immunization histories. The situation highlights the challenges of providing healthcare to migrant families, who may have incomplete vaccinations and limited access to medical care, and the potential for infectious diseases to spread within the community.
"Outbreak: Chickenpox Cases at Overflow Shelter Site"
Six cases of chickenpox have been reported at a shelter site in Roxbury housing migrants, prompting vaccination efforts and isolation of infected individuals. Boston Public Schools also reported cases, and dozens of children from the shelter have been enrolled in the schools. The state-run shelter is one of four in the Greater Boston area, and more than 750 families are on the waitlist for shelter. The situation has raised concerns about disease prevention and vaccination among migrant populations in shelters.