We have recently been notified of cases of Chickenpox in the school. Chickenpox (varicella) is a very contagious (catching) disease. It causes small itchy blisters on your skin.

How is it spread?

The virus is spread through the air by infected people when they sneeze or cough, and by touching the chickenpox blisters then touching objects or other people.

The illness starts 10–21 days after being exposed.

Chickenpox is contagious from 1–2 days before the blisters appear. Avoid close contact with other people, stay home from work, keep children home from school and early childhood education centres from the appearance of the rash until all blisters have dried.

Chickenpox can also spread through touching the blisters and then touching objects or other people.

• Wash your hands often, especially if you’re the caregiver of a child with chickenpox – and make sure they do the same.
• Discourage children from scratching the blisters.

For more detailed information on Chickenpox please click here.