An outbreak of suspected Chickenpox disease has thrown residents in Terego district into distress as they grapple to contain its spread.
The most affected areas include Akua, Fokovu, Komendaku, Naa, and Ondojani cells in Aaa Ward, Leju Town Council. According to reports from residents, the illness, which predominantly targets children and adults, emerged last month, unleashing untold suffering in the community.
Robert Dramani, a Village Health Team (VHT) member from Fokovu cell in Aaa Ward, Leju Town Council, revealed that over seven households in his area have already been hit by the disease. Dramani emphasized that the condition, characterized by blister-like rashes on the skin, primarily afflicts children.
Stanley Yiki, a concerned resident of the Aaa ward, shared his ordeal, stating that two of his children fell victim to the disease after contracting it while playing in the neighborhood. Initially mistaking it for malaria or a common cold due to fever symptoms, Yiki regretted overlooking the signs.
Oresto Butele, an elder from Fokovu cell in Aaa Ward, Leju Town Council, highlighted the community’s reliance on local remedies like eucalyptus and orange leaves to manage the illness, attributing this to a lack of proper knowledge. He noted that such cases had not been reported in the area for over three decades.
Chickenpox, highly contagious among non-immune individuals, poses a significant risk to those who have not had the disease or received vaccination against it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that up to 90 percent of close contacts with infected individuals who lack immunity may contract the disease.
In response to the outbreak, Simon Amandi Ongua, the Acting District Health Officer, directed the health assistant for Leju Town Council to compile a list of affected households for immediate intervention.
Victims of the outbreak have reported symptoms such as loss of appetite, muscle and joint aches, cough or runny nose, and itchy rashes on the face and body, accompanied by fluid-discharging blisters. Proper medication is crucial for their recovery, with healing typically taking about a week.