Chickenpox cases rise to 10 across 4 Kaua‘i schools; health officials urge getting vaccinated

Chickenpox cases on the Garden Island have doubled since their initial report from the Department of Health on Jan. 31.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health reports that a community outbreak of chickenpox has grown to 10 cases across four schools on Kaua‘i, raising concerns about the continued spread of this highly contagious disease.

The outbreak initially involved five cases linked to Kīlauea Elementary School last week.

As of Thursday, five additional cases have been reported at Hanalei Elementary School, Kaua‘i Christian Academy and Island School. All cases involve children under 18. Health officials said one child who had received a single dose of the chickenpox vaccine experienced a milder illness, while the other nine cases were unvaccinated.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It shows up as an itchy, blister-like rash of 250 to 500 blister-forming spots that typically lasts 5 to 10 days. It spreads easily through the air by coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact with blister fluid. Symptoms also include fever and tiredness.

A spokesperson with the Department of Education told Kaua’i Now: “The schools will follow the Department of Health’s guidance,” but declined to comment further.

The department’s Health Disease Investigation Branch urges families and schools to take proactive steps to reduce transmission. Community members who have not been infected with or fully vaccinated against chickenpox are at risk, but they can protect themselves and others by getting the vaccine.

Since the outbreak began, the Department of Health’s Disease Investigation Branch has been tracking cases, communicating with affected schools and communities, and increasing access to the chickenpox vaccine.

At this time, health officials are not requiring exposed children who are not immune to stay home from school if they remain healthy; however, some individuals, including pregnant women, newborns and people with weakened immune systems, cannot be vaccinated and may face severe disease if exposed.

The department advises these individuals or their caregivers to consult a healthcare provider about other protective measures.

According to the press release from the Department of Health, many Kaua‘i schools have low vaccination rates. Health officials emphasized the importance of precautions to limit the outbreak.

To prevent further spread, the Department of Health strongly recommends the following precautions for those who may be at risk:

Get the varicella vaccine: Two doses will provide nearly 100% immunity or significantly reduce the severity of symptoms.

Normal doses: For children, one dose at age 12-15 months, the second at age 4-6 years.

During an outbreak: An accelerated schedule is recommended for eligible adults and children ages 1 and older. Allow at least a month between the first and second dose.

Groups at highest risk of severe disease: Non-immune adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions that weaken their immune system. Infants are also at high risk but are not eligible for the vaccine until they are one year old. Therefore, household members of infants younger than one year should check their immune status and get vaccinated if not already immune.

Individuals who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons are advised to consult their physician immediately. If you are not protected against chickenpox (did not previously have an infection or vaccination), seek medical advice about the best options for protection.

Stay home: If showing any signs of infection (red rash, blisters), isolate at home until all rash blisters form scabs (usually five to seven days). This will reduce the risk of disease transmission. Early signs, occurring one to two days before the rash, may include fever, loss of appetite, headache, or fatigue. When in doubt, stay home and avoid exposing others.

No “chickenpox parties”: Trying to achieve immunity through deliberate exposure to chickenpox can cause unnecessary suffering by the child, increase the child’s lifetime risk of shingles, and make someone in vulnerable health who gets exposed seriously ill. Two doses of vaccine provide lifelong protection for most people and reduce the risk of contracting shingles