Varicella virus, which is also called as chicken pox, is spreading very fast in Hyderabad during this summer. According to Fever Hospital authorities, more than 170 cases have been recorded in just a period of one month between March and April this year.  “Varicella virus which is commonly called as chicken pox mainly infects the children who are having low immunity. Particularly, the rising heat triggers this virus and the children are more vulnerable to this virus. Though it is not life threatening, if not checked early, it may lead to high fever and develop pneumonia and may lead to secondary complications,” said Dr. Chitralekha, Resident Medical Doctor at Fever Hospital.

The healthcare experts say that, the main cause of spread of this virus is because of rising temperatures. As the temperatures go up, the disease flares up in people with low immunity power and it particularly impacts the children more.  “Chicken pox is a highly contagious disease caused by the initial infection with varicella zoster virus. The symptoms of the disease start with skin rash and forms small, itchy blisters, which eventually scab over.  It usually starts on the chest, back, and face then spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms may include fever, feeling tired, and headaches which may last for five to ten days. Complications may occasionally include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, or bacterial infections of the skin among others. The disease is often more severe in adults than children”, says a senior doctor at Gandhi Hospital.

With large number of cases spurting in, the hospital authorities at Fever Hospital and Gandhi Hospital have made elaborate arrangements to provide treatment to the infected patients. So far, more than 40 people have been admitted to Fever Hospital and the hospital authorities as a precaution have established a special ward to treat the cases of chicken pox separately. “Chicken pox virus is an airborne disease and can spread very easily through air by way of coughs and sneezing of an infected patient. We advise the patient not to venture in the open hot sun if infected with virus. Always keep themselves in shade and cool place and maintain proper hygiene surroundings to avoid any further bacterial infection,” informed Dr. Chitralekha.

There are also reports that some parents whose children get infected with chicken pox are following some superstitious and old traditional rituals to wade off the disease. They feel that chicken pox is because their family deity has cursed them and they usually go to quacks and magicians to get rid of the infectious disease. However, the doctors are advising such parents not to go for self medication or approach the quacks, because wrong diagnosis or wrong medication may lead to other complications and may even become life threatening for the patient.