Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It brings on an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters.
An outbreak of chickenpox in Wubara community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has claimed so many lives, the authorities have said.
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It brings on an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters.
However, the AMAC Council Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, who confirmed the outbreak, during a medical outreach to the community, encouraged the people to maintain a healthy living, Daily Trust reports.
Although without mentioning the casualty figure, the chairman, represented by the Supervisory Council for Health, Faoye Tunji, said, “We lament the outbreak of chicken pox recently that befell Wubara and other communities where several households were affected and so many lives were lost."
"The impact of this "calamity" he said has left So many in fear. It is an unfortunate situation and we pray that such will never repeat again.
“To us in the council, this outbreak is becoming one too many and a permanent solution is urgently needed to prevent further occurrence. I hereby appeal to our people to maintain a healthy life style by sleeping in well-ventilated houses, be mindful of the heat and bad weather caused by climate change and visit our facilities whenever we have any symptom.’’
Also speaking, the Programme Officer, Disease Control, Health Unit/Department, AMAC, Dr Dorothy Ihegazie, said the council was fully prepared to offer medical outreach to the people as drugs are available at the pharmacy, urging the people to cooperate with medical professionals on ground.
The Chief of Wubara, Alhaji Ibrahim Dallatu, expressed happiness with the medical outreach, saying it will help to curb any form of disease in the community.
Meanwhile, medical professionals on ground examined over 1000 members of the community and administered medications on them.
Other medications offered are malaria, typhoid drugs, immunization of children, vaccination against COVID-19, poliomyelitis, monkey pox, chicken pox, among others.