Chicken Pox Rears Its Head in Tamil Nadu, Yet Again

It is summer time and hence the incidence of chicken pox cases is on the rise. District administrations in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, especially in the southern districts, are gearing up to tackle the problem.

Doctors caution that brain membrane would be the first casualty if chicken pox is not controlled immediately in the first stage itself.

Some cases have been already reported in a rather serious condition and the number of those admitted in hospital is increasing.

In the state capital of Chennai itself over 50 patients are undergoing treatment in the government-run Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH).

Normally April would see the highest number but this season-related viral infection would be on the decline from May.

The disease generally lasts 15 to 20 days and patients have to take anti-viral tablets, which are costly.

Hence the poor people, if they have any symptoms of chicken pox, should get admitted to an IDH to prevent its spreading to others.

It is also pointed out that an IDH would be the right place for chicken pox treatment as it required clean surroundings and fresh air to control the spread of infection.

Chicken pox vaccination is only 90 per cent effective, but it minimizes the complications that would arise later. So, the people should go for vaccination but unfortunately, the vaccine is expensive and not affordable for the poorer sections.

Voluntary organizations should move in and arrange large-scale vaccinations for the poor, it has been suggested.

Source-Medindia
SRM