In a follow-up report to the chickenpox cluster reported in a Clearwater, FL elementary school, Pinellas County health officials are now reported the number of cases has risen from eight to 14 students.
The outbreak at Plumb Elementary school prompted a visit from health officials this week to give faculty and staff a presentation on the virus and how to properly wash your hands.
In the initial batch of cases, the majority of cases were in vaccinated students. It is not clear what the vaccination status is of the newest cases.
Health officials notes that there were 38 varicella cases in Pinellas and 743 in Florida during 2015. Pinellas cases have risen from 16 in 2012 to 38 at the end of last year.
A rash is sometimes the first sign of the virus in children. Those who are unvaccinated will have crusty lesions on the head, trunk and extremities in addition to fever and other complications.
The chicken pox vaccine is required for all children who enroll in Florida public schools. The varicella vaccine is administered to children as the combination MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccine or as two doses.
Related: Florida Zika count now 12, all imported, Gov. Scott calls on CDC
In this article you stated that, “In the initial batch of cases, the majority of cases were in vaccinated students. It is not clear what the vaccination status is of the newest cases.” This statement does not surprise me at all. I would love to share this information with others that believe all kids need to be vaccinated to avoid chicken pox. First, though, I want to find something that backs that statement up. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks!