Dr Hilda Ganesen

In view of the recent outbreak in chickenpox this has been a common occurrence with the children in Durban North.  Mother's are often confused as to why the child has chickenpox if the vaccine was administered.

Although some vaccinated children (about 2%) will still get chickenpox, they generally will have a much milder form of the disease, with fewer blisters (typically fewer than 50), lower fever, and a more rapid recovery. The vaccine almost always prevents against severe disease.

Chickenpox is caused by a virus, the varicella-zoster virus. How does chickenpox spread? Chickenpox spreads from person to person by direct contact or through the air by coughing or sneezing. It is highly contagious. It can also be spread through direct contact with the fluid from a blister of a person infected with chickenpox, or from direct contact with a sore from a person with shingles. How long does it take to show signs of chickenpox after being exposed? It takes from 10 to 21 days to develop symptoms after being exposed to a person infected with chickenpox. The usual time period is 14–16 days. What are the symptoms of chickenpox? The most common symptoms of chickenpox are rash, fever, coughing, fussiness, headache, and loss of appetite. The rash usually develops on the scalp and body, and then spreads to the face, arms, and legs. The rash usually forms 200–500 itchy blisters in several successive crops. The illness lasts about 5–10 days.

Complications from Chickenpox:

The most common complication is bacterial infection of the skin or other parts of the body including the bones, lungs, joints, and blood. The virus can also lead to pneumonia or infection of the brain. These complications are rare but serious. Complications are more common in infants, adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

How long is a person with chickenpox contagious?

Patients with chickenpox are contagious for 1–2 days before the rash appears and continue to be contagious through the first 4–5 days or until all the blisters are crusted over.

How do we treat chickenpox?

Most cases of chickenpox in otherwise healthy children are treated with bed rest, fluids, and control of fever. Children with chickenpox should NOT receive aspirin because of possible subsequent risk of Reye's syndrome. Acetaminophen may be given for fever control. Chickenpox may be treated with an antiviral drug in serious cases, depending on the patient's age and health, the extent of the infection, and the timing of the treatment.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO AVOID CONTACT WITH PREGNANT WOMEN IF YOU HAVE CHICKENPOX!

According to the Allergy society of SA, dust mite excrement in the most common household allergen in SA.  

• More than 30% of people who have allergies react to housedust mite excrement. 
• Pet allergies are a common household allergy. Cats or dogs can be a source of allergens through their saliva, urine, dander or dur.  The fur itself is not an allergen but hte fur can pick up other forms of household airborne allergens.  
• Mould grows easily in damp conditions. Bathrooms are a common source of mildew and mould growth.  Durban with its subtropical climate is especially susupetible to mould growth.  

Dust mites live of the dead skin cells regularly shed by humans. House dust mites can be found in bedding

How to manage house dust mite in the home?

1  Remove carpets if possible.  If you do have carpets, vacuum  carpets regularly.

2. Remove fluffy toys, books and thick curtains.

3.  Cover pillows and mattresses with plastic or polyurethane covers.

4.  Wash bedding, pillows and mattress cover regularly in hot water and allow to dry in the sun.  Consider replacing pillows every 6 months.

5.  Ideally pets should be kept outside.  If pets are brought into the house, ensure the upholstery and carpets are regularly vacuumed.  Consider steam cleaning carpets and upholstery regularly.

6.  Treat mould by applying white vinegar to the walls of the bathrooms, leave it to dry for an hour then wipe off with hot water and dry the surfaces. Endure the bathroom is well ventilated.  Keep bathroom windows open and if possible allow direct sunlight into the bathroom.