Chickenpox on the rise
NEGAUNEE — A dramatic increase in chickenpox cases are creating awareness for vaccinations.
As a result parents are being urged by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to vaccinate their children. More than 239 cases of chickenpox have been recorded throughout April alone, which is up 57% from last year. A majority of the cases diagnosed this year, have been among unvaccinated individuals. Health officials are reminding the public that vaccines are safe and effective.
“Well I would ask them to talk to a health care professional and make sure they are getting accurate information,” said Registered Nurse, Jill Santti, “and there’s a lot of information on the internet that can stir fear in patients, I think the real fear sure be the fear of the disease because chickenpox can kill. Since we started using the vaccine over the last 15 years, we’ve probably seen a 90% decline in deaths from chickenpox.”
They are also urging that chickenpox can become very severe and is highly contagious, especially when in heavy populated areas.
For more information on chickenpox and how to be proactive, click here.
Photo Courtesy: Center For Disease Control & Prevention