Sedgwick County health officials say there has been an outbreak of Chickenpox (Varicella) in two schools in the county. Tanglewood Elementary in Derby had 29 students with chicken pox yesterday, and Clearwater Intermediate School had about 10. In all, 43 cases have been confirmed in Sedgwick County.

That's compared to 23 cases in all of 2006 and 55 cases in all of 2007.

The most common symptoms of chickenpox are fever and an itchy rash which covers the body. The rash usually is most concentrated on the face, scalp, and trunk. Occasionally more serious complications occur including swelling of the brain or pneumonia.

Varicella is highly contagious and spread by coughing and sneezing. Contact with the skin lesions can also spread the disease.

Due to the high level of contagiousness, as well as the potential for serious complications, it is important to seek medical attention from your primary care physician if you or your child is exhibiting symptoms of
Chickenpox. Although children typically acquire the disease, adolescents and adults are at higher risk for a more severe case.

There is a vaccine available to help individuals prevent getting Varicella. Two doses of vaccine are recommended. Once an individual has had Chickenpox, it is very rare they will acquire it a second time.

The Sedgwick County Health Department offers the Varicella vaccine to the public for $102. The vaccine is also available for uninsured
children who meet eligibility requirements of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

Through this program, the charge for the vaccine is based on family income, but will cost no more than $15.

If you have any questions about the Varicella vaccine, call the Sedgwick County Health Department at 660-7300.