Siheung City Reports Surge in Chickenpox Cases...Urges Vaccination and Personal Hygiene Practices

Siheung City in Gyeonggi Province has urged citizens to get vaccinated and to follow personal hygiene guidelines, as the number of chickenpox cases has been rising nationwide.

Chickenpox Vaccination and Personal Hygiene Rules Compliance Poster. Provided by Siheung City

According to the infectious disease surveillance system of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of chickenpox cases nationwide increased from 358 during the first week of March (week 10, March 1 to 7) to 673 in the first week of April (week 14, March 29 to April 4), nearly doubling. In Siheung City, the number of cases also rose from 3 in week 10 to 9 in week 14, with a total of 36 cases reported.

Chickenpox is an acute exanthematous infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is characterized by fever and itchy, blistering rashes that appear all over the body. The disease spreads easily through droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as contact with blister fluid. Its high contagion rate means it can easily spread in group settings such as daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent chickenpox. Infants aged 12 to 15 months must receive one dose of the chickenpox vaccine according to the national immunization schedule, and those aged 13 or older who have not been vaccinated are recommended to receive two doses 4 to 8 weeks apart. Vaccinations are fully covered by the National Immunization Program and are available at public health centers and designated medical institutions nationwide. The list of designated medical institutions can be found on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Immunization Helper website.

Additionally, following personal hygiene guidelines in daily life is important. These include: washing hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds; covering mouth and nose with your sleeve when coughing or sneezing; refraining from attending daycare, school, or going out if symptoms such as rashes occur; and seeking prompt medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.

Especially, once diagnosed with chickenpox, children must not attend daycare or school until all blisters have scabbed over, which helps prevent further spread of the disease.

Lee Hyungjeong, head of Siheung City Public Health Center, stated, "Chickenpox is a preventable infectious disease if people receive vaccinations and observe basic hygiene practices," and added, "We urge parents and educational institutions to provide guidance on prevention and respond promptly in the event of an outbreak."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.