AN urgent warning has been issued to Irish parents over a "highly contagious" disease that can cause serious illness in babies. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and leaves an itchy, blister-like rash on the skin. It is usually a mild disease but can also be serious, especially in babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
The illness mostly affects children under the age of 10, but you can get it at any age. Chickenpox is very itchy and can make children feel miserable, even if they do not have many spots. According to the HPSC, there was a 126 per cent increase in the number of chickenpox hospitalisations last year.
Adjunct Professor of Public Health, University College Cork School of Public Health, Dr Niall Conroy said: “Last year in Ireland, we encountered a significant increase in the number of children who were hospitalised with chickenpox. "In fact, the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HPSC), reported a 126 per cent increase in hospitalisations because of chickenpox from 2022 to 2023. "This represents a concerning trend amidst recent outbreaks of other preventable diseases like measles, which should provide us with a timely warning that we should be taking preventable diseases, like chickenpox, seriously.
"Chickenpox is highly contagious. Whilst it is usually a mild disease, there can be serious complications. "I would urge any parent to get the facts about chickenpox and speak with a healthca.