Actively prevent chickenpox in the community

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus. The disease usually begins with symptoms of fever and fatigue, followed by a rash and blisters all over the body, causing itching and discomfort. The virus spreads strongly through the respiratory tract or direct contact with fluid from the blisters.

Although most cases of the disease are mild and resolve on their own after 7–10 days, chickenpox can still cause many dangerous complications such as skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis or meningitis, especially in adults, pregnant women, newborns and people with weakened immune systems. Notably, the virus can survive for a long time in the body and reactivate later to cause shingles (herpes zoster).

According to health sector statistics, the number of chickenpox cases in Vietnam has tended to increase in recent years. Preschool and primary school age groups account for more than 70% of the total number of cases. Although there is a vaccine to prevent the disease, the vaccination rate in the community is still low, making it easy for the disease to break out into small outbreaks in residential areas, schools or kindergartens.

In Ca Mau, in early October 2025, the health sector discovered a number of cases of chickenpox at Tuoi Tho Kindergarten in Gia Rai Ward. The Ward Health Station quickly coordinated with the school to implement preventive measures to prevent the disease from spreading in the community.

To prevent chickenpox, vaccination is the most effective and sustainable measure. In Vietnam, there are many safe vaccines recommended for use by the World Health Organization.

Children 12 months and older should receive two doses to achieve optimal immunity. Adults who have never had or have not been vaccinated should also proactively get vaccinated, especially women planning to get pregnant should get vaccinated at least 3 months before conception to avoid complications for the fetus.

In addition, when someone in the family or school has chickenpox, the patient must be isolated until the blisters have completely dried, usually 7-10 days. The room must be well-ventilated and hygienic; clothes, bedding, and personal belongings must be washed separately, dried in the sun, or disinfected regularly.

Schools need to increase the cleaning of classrooms, toys, and contact surfaces; encourage students to wash their hands with soap, wear masks, and avoid close contact with sick people. Monitoring and early reporting of cases helps local health departments handle the situation promptly, preventing the spread of the disease.

The health sector recommends that medical examination and treatment facilities, commune and ward health stations need to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, detect cases early, advise people on isolation and proper care. When receiving patients with blister-like rashes and fever, doctors need to exploit vaccination history, diagnose early and guide treatment and safe home care.

At the same time, communication plays an important role in disease prevention. It is necessary to promote propaganda on mass media, social networks and at educational institutions to raise awareness among parents and the community about the risks, signs and benefits of vaccination.

Chickenpox is a common infectious disease but is completely preventable if people proactively protect themselves and their children by fully vaccinating, maintaining personal hygiene and a clean living environment.

Close coordination between families, schools and the health sector in monitoring, detecting and early handling of cases will contribute significantly to controlling and preventing chickenpox from spreading in the community.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/chu-dong-phong-chong-benh-thuy-dau-trong-cong-dong-290161