World Vision Responds to Chickenpox cases in Nkonkobe, Eastern Cape

There has been few cases of chickenpox confirmed in the local clinics and community health centres around Nkonkobe municipality and the greater Eastern Cape province, the provincial health department said on Wednesday, 6th November morning.

Activities in some of the nearby crèches in and around Nkonkobe were suspended after about ten learners and a teacher were diagnosed with chickenpox, Community Health worker, Ncumisa Nene said.

The hardest-hit class was Grade 0, thus World Vision decided to call parents to be part of a health education campaign, recently held in Phewuleni location. “Our aim is to urgently stop the spread of this highly contagious disease, thus we have decided to educate both parents and children on some of the practical things they can do to ensure their safety,” said Siphiwo Gumenge, World Vision Team Leader in Nkonkobe.
Working together with the local Department of Health, World Vision exposed parents and children to some basic hygiene measure to stop the spread of this airborne disease.
“Now I know that if I have cold-like symptoms, a rash, or a fever, I need to rush to the clinic, as these could be the first symptoms of chickenpox,” said one of the parents, Nosapho Marele.

Frequent hand washing has been reported as one of the easiest chickenpox prevention methods. “They say we need to wash our hands when we wake –up, after using the toilet and before we eat, ” said Athenkosi Mhaka – 12 year old.

Some of the key lessons of the day for children and parents were; although rarely fatal, anyone showing signs of the virus should get immediate medical treatment. Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness, which spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. One of the symptoms is small red itchy spots which turn into blisters. It can take a person up to three weeks before showing signs of the virus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBWTAe8v-fk