87 confirmed chicken pox cases in Vigo County

VIGO CO., Ind. (WTHI) - UPDATE:  The Vigo County Health Department has informed News 10 that they have 87 confirmed cases of the varicella (chicken pox) virus in Vigo County.

The VCHD also informed News 10 that they are taking the proper measures to monitor and prevent the further spreading of the virus.

News 10 will continue to report on this story as more information is released.

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On Friday, November 2nd, 2012 the Vigo County Health Commissioner, Enrico I. Garcia MD declared a Varicella (Chickenpox) outbreak in the Vigo County.

An outbreak means cases of disease occurring in a community, region, or particular population at a rate clearly in excess of which is normally expected.

As of November 16 there have been over 100 possible cases of varicella (chickenpox) in Vigo County. This is more cases of chickenpox in a given time for a given population and therefore cause to declare an outbreak.

Due to the Varicella (chickenpox) outbreak in our community, the Vigo County Health Department  has implemented control measures to prevent the further spread of this disease.

Vaccinating children  over the age of 12 months  is a specific control measure for chickenpox. During an outbreak, a second dose is recommended and can be administered at least 28 days following the first dose to increase levels of immunity and curtail spread of disease. 

Children over the age of 12 months need to be optimally immunized against chickenpox.

Another control measure is restriction of activities. Restriction of activities will include children who are not fully immunized for Varicella during the current outbreak that attend public schools,  pre-schools, licensed and unlicensed day cares. 

If one child get chickenpox at a pre-school or a licensed\unlicensed day care, all other children who have not previously received their second vaccination can be excluded for 21 days of the diagnosed case.

RESTRICTION OF ACTIVITIES DEFINED

Restriction of activities means limitations placed on the activities of persons to prevent transmission of communicable diseases to other individuals. Limitations may include, but are not limited to, restrictions on one (1) or more of the following activities:

• (1) Attendance at a:
• (A) school;
• (B) preschool; or
• (C) daycare facility.
• (2) Appearance at a person's place of employment.
• (3) Participation in the health care of others.