Chickenpox cases confirmed in multiple schools on Kauai

LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Hawaii Department of Health is warning the public about an outbreak of chickenpox on Kauai.

The DOH says there are 10 known cases, linked to four schools, raising concerns about the highly contagious disease spreading. All of the cases were children.

Families and schools are urged to take proactive steps to limit the spread.

Last week, five cases were reportedly linked to Kilauea Elementary School.

As of Thursday morning, five more cases of chickenpox were reported from three other schools: Hanalei Elementary School, Kauai Christian Academy, and Island School.

One case was of a partially vaccinated patient who had one dose and experienced milder symptoms.

The other nine cases were in unvaccinated children.

Vulnerable individuals, like pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, or those who cannot be vaccinated, should seek medical advice to learn about other medications they can take for protection.

According to the DOH, many schools on Kauai have low vaccination rates among students.

The DOH strongly recommends the following precautions for those who may be at risk.

• Get the varicella vaccine: Two doses will provide nearly 100% immunity, or significantly reduce severity of symptoms.
• Normal doses: For children, one dose at age 12-15 months, the second at age 4-6 years.
• During an outbreak: An accelerated schedule is recommended for eligible adults and children ages 1 and older. Allow at least a month between the first and second dose.
• Groups at highest risk of severe disease: Non-immune adolescents, adults, pregnant women and those with medical conditions that weaken their immune system.
• Infants are also at high risk, but not eligible for vaccine until a year old, so household members of infants younger than one year should check their immune status and get vaccinated if not already immune.
• If you can’t get the vaccine for medical reasons, talk to your doctor immediately: If you are not protected against chickenpox (did not previously have infection or vaccination) seek medical advice about the best options for protection.
• Stay home: If showing any signs of infection (red rash, blisters), isolate at home until all rash blisters form scabs (usually five to seven days).
• Early signs one to two days before the rash can include fever, loss of appetite, headache, or tiredness.
• No “chickenpox parties”: Trying to achieve immunity through deliberate exposure to chickenpox can cause unnecessary suffering for the child, increase the child’s lifetime risk of shingles, and make someone in vulnerable health who gets exposed seriously ill.

Since the outbreak began on Jan. 23, the state has mobilized to track cases, reach out to affected schools and communities, and increase access to the vaccine.

It can take up to 21 days for chickenpox symptoms to start after exposure.

The DOH Kauai District Health Office is planning a free community vaccine clinic. More details will be shared as soon as they are finalized.