Chicken pox spreads through Warden schools

Twelve cases reported to health district as of Wednesday morning

WARDEN — On Wednesday morning Grant County Health District officials received 12 reports of varicella or chicken pox in the Warden School District.

All 12 cases occurred between late December and February, Warden school nurse Kimberly Hansen said.

Chicken pox is a disease caused by a virus and results in a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness and fever. The rash most commonly appears on the trunk of the body and face, but can spread over the entire body.

The disease is spread through direct contact or via the air.

Director of personal health services with the GCHD, Peggy Grigg, said all 12 infected individuals were asked to stay at home until symptoms reside.

Thursday morning Hansen reported that all but one of the students who was reported to have chicken pox hav3 returned to school.

It is recommended that those who have been exposed to chicken pox be vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure with varicella vaccine.

A total of three letters have been sent to parents in the school district.

A person with chicken pox is infectious one to two days before the rash appears and until all the blisters have formed scabs. Most cases take place in persons less than 15 years of age.

"Chicken pox is highly infectious and you're going to spread it before you know you have it," Grigg said.

In rare cases, chicken pox has been known to result in serious complications including bacterial infections, pneumonia, bleeding problems, encephalitis and, very uncommonly, death.

Such complications are usually found in those over the age of 13.

Previous infection often makes one immune to contracting the virus a second time.

Beginning July 1, Washington state will require chicken pox vaccine for children under 13 years of age for admission to child care and school settings.

Adults who should get vaccinated include high-risk individuals who have not been infected with chicken pox including health care workers, teachers of young children, child care workers, residents and staff in institutional settings, college students, inmates and staff at correctional facilities, military personnel and international travelers.

Women of child bearing age should get the vaccine, but not during pregnancy.

Contact the health district at (509) 766-7960 if you believe your child has been part of this latest outbreak.