CDC statistics show the capital has logged 548 new cases of chickenpox so far this year, with 70 fresh infections recorded in a week alone from March 10 to 17.

Through field investigations, chickenpox patients were found in 18 out of 30 districts across Hanoi, and children in kindergartens and primary schools made up more than 70% of overall cases.

Health experts warn chickenpox cases are likely to rise over the coming weeks as the capital is moving into spring.

Dr. Nguyen Dang Manh, head of Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases of 108 Military Central Hospital, said that chickenpox, which is also known as varicella, is an acute and highly-contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus which is transmitted from person to person by directly touching blisters, saliva, or the mucus of an infected person.

In order to actively prevent the disease, Dr. Manh suggested that people limit contact with sick people who have the above-mentioned symptoms. In addition, people infected with chickenpox should stay at home for seven to 10 days, regularly wash their hands with soap, and clean houses with disinfectants.

Most notably, newborn babies from the age of 12 months are recommended to routinely receive doses of the chickenpox vaccine.

Children who suffer from coughing, headaches, vomiting, or seem to react more slowly than normal should be sent to vets to avoid life-threatening complications, he said.

Source: VOV