Chickenpox Outbreak In West Calaveras

Calaveras County, CA — Eight cases of Chickenpox in Calaveras County have local health officials fighting to stop the spread of the highly contagious disease.

Five of the cases were among Toyon Middle School students, qualifying as a small outbreak. The others were found at Valley Springs Elementary School and Calaveras High School.

Susceptible or high risk students and staff have been excluded from school through March 29. All students must prove they´ve been immunized or get vaccinated.

Chickenpox causes an itchy rash that develops into blister-like lesions. It is spread from person to person by breathing airborne droplets containing the virus.

A free vaccination clinic for students and staff will be held at Toyon on Wednesday.

For more information contact the Public Health Department at 754-6460.

Written by Vanessa Turner.