Calaveras Chickenpox Alert

San Andreas, CA -- The Calaveras County Health Department would like to alert residents that there is a growing number of chickenpox cases being reported in the county.

"The Public Health Department is recommending that all parents check the immunization records of their children and teenagers," says Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer. "Children over the age of 12 months should have at least one dose of varicella vaccine, the vaccine that prevents chickenpox. Two doses are recommended for children, adolescents and adults."

Seven cases have been reported in Calaveras County in 2011. One infant had to be hospitalized, and is now recovering at home.

The illness is typically most severe for newborns, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

"Because it is not possible to predict who will have a serious or even deadly case of chickenpox, vaccination is the best protection," says Kelaita.

Vaccine against chickenpox is available through the County Health Department. For more information, you can call 754-6460.

Written by BJ Hansen