Is chickenpox on the decline?
Seasonal increase of chickenpox was reported in Yerevan between October and December 2010, according to the Armenian Ministry of Health.
Due to the anti-epidemic measures taken by the Ministry, the further spread of the infection was prevented by December. The disease has shown a decline.
Chickenpox occurs worldwide, and affects people of all ages, races and sexes. It is acute contagious disease, primarily of children, caused by the varicella-zoster virus and characterized by skin eruptions and slight fever. It is usually transmitted by respiratory droplets from the infected host.
In temperate climates, at least 90% of the population has had chickenpox by age 15, and at least 95% by young adulthood.
The latent period of the infection is 21 days.
