VietNamNet Bridge – A chickenpox outbreak is currently peaking in northern region due to prolonged cold weather, medical experts have warned.

A chickenpox patient being treated. - VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Vy

The Infectious Diseases Department of Ha Noi-based Bach Mai Hospital received hundreds of adult chickenpox patients this season, which spans the transition from winter to spring.

Dozens of patients have suffered from complications of pneumonia and encephalitis.

Doctor Do Duy Cuong, head of Bach Mai Hospital’s Infectious Diseases Department, said that chickenpox is transmitted through respiratory system. Children and adults are easily infected with the disease in the winter-spring season. Those with immune deficiencies might suffer from minor complications such as skin infections, pneumonia and encephalitis.

Doctor Cuong said that the chickenpox virus might be removed by a type of drug called Acyclorvir. However, patients must monitor the illness symptoms and identify complications.

Children who suffer from coughing, headache, vomit and seem to react more slowly than normal should be sent to the hospital to avoid life-threatening complications, he said.

According to Health Preventive Department of Health Ministry, nearly 40,000 chickenpox cases were recorded nationwide last year, increasing almost 50 per cent over the previous year. The number of patients has increased sharply since January and peaked in early March with 8,000 cases. 

Source: VNS