03.01.2026 10:41
Cases of chickenpox, which have not been seen in schools for a long time, have started to rise again. The disease, which worries families and educational institutions, spreads rapidly among students because it does not show symptoms immediately. The illness first appears with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite, and in the following days, it manifests itself with skin rashes. Additionally, the increase in chickenpox cases has brought vaccine opposition back to the forefront.
The recent resurgence of chickenpox cases, which have been rarely seen in schools for a long time, has alarmed families and educational institutions. Experts emphasize the need to monitor early symptoms and seek medical attention without delay when necessary, as the disease can spread rapidly among school-aged children due to its initial unclear presentation.
Dr. Şebnem Aliyeva, a specialist in Child Health and Diseases, pointed out that general complaints such as fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite can be observed in the early stages of chickenpox, and that the disease manifests itself with skin rashes in the following days. Aliyeva stated that the rashes initially appear as redness and then transform into fluid-filled blisters within one or two days.
CONTAGIOUSNESS MAY START BEFORE RASHES APPEAR
Dr. Aliyeva noted that chickenpox is an extremely contagious disease and that children can transmit the virus to others even before the rashes are visible. She emphasized the importance of not sending children suspected of having chickenpox to school or daycare, stating that while the disease is mild in most cases, more severe conditions can be observed, especially in young children, those with weakened immune systems, and adolescents.
CONTACT WITH BLISTERS MAY WORSEN THE DISEASE
Experts warn that rashes and blisters should not be popped during the course of the illness. Dr. Aliyeva mentioned that the blisters contain the virus and that popping them could increase contagiousness. She noted that medication may be recommended in some cases to reduce itching, stating, "Contagiousness continues until the blisters are completely crusted over. Therefore, we do not want children to go to school or daycare until complete crusting occurs."
SYMPTOMS OF THE VIRUS MAY BE DELAYED
Experts express that the chickenpox virus may not show symptoms immediately after infection, noting that the incubation period can exceed one week. Speaking to NTV, Dr. Aliyeva stated that symptoms may appear within 7-10 days after the virus is contracted, emphasizing that families should closely monitor their children.
WHEN SHOULD A DOCTOR BE CONSULTED?
Dr. Aliyeva stated that it is essential to consult a doctor if fever cannot be controlled, signs of inflammation are observed on the skin, or if the child becomes too weak to eat. Experts underline that early intervention in suspected cases of chickenpox is critical for both easing the disease process and reducing the risk of transmission.
ANTI-VACCINE SENTIMENTS BACK IN THE AGENDA
With the resurgence of cases, especially in schools, the question of what the societal implications of the choice to "not vaccinate" brings back to the forefront. When the issue is addressed from both medical and public health perspectives, it is seen that vaccine hesitancy increases the risk of outbreaks in highly contagious diseases like chickenpox.
When vaccination rates drop, in-class transmission increases, and vulnerable groups who cannot be vaccinated (such as immunocompromised children) are put at greater risk, leading to more severe cases in adolescents and adults.
The chickenpox vaccine aims to provide immunity against the varicella-zoster virus, either completely preventing the disease or making it milder when contracted. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that two doses of the varicella vaccine are approximately 90% effective in preventing chickenpox.