The Ministry of Health confirms that several cases of the Chickenpox virus were reported at the Five Rivers Secondary School.

The office of the County Medical Officer of Health was alerted by the school’s principal.

The Ministry says the necessary public health measures have been taken, including closure and sanitization of the affected classrooms.

“The public is informed that while Chickenpox is endemic to Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region, there may be the likelihood of an increase in the number of cases occasionally. These increases occur particularly within high-risk areas such as Schools, Prisons, Homes for the Elderly and Children,” the Ministry says.

The Chickenpox virus usually begins with flu-like symptoms including:

-Fever

-Cough

-Runny nose

-Headache and sore throat

-Feeling sick, tired and sluggish

-Within a few days, red swollen spots or bumps may appear. The bumps can spread over the whole body, even inside the mouth, eyelids or genital area, and turn into pimple like blisters filled with clear or cloudy fluid. The blisters can break open, often leaking fluid.

The public is further advised that good hygiene practices can prevent and reduce the spread of Chickenpox. These good hygiene practices include:

-Washing hands regularly with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers (containing at least 70% alcohol).

-Regular cleaning and sanitising of high touched surfaces (e.g. door knobs, countertops, desks).

-Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, water bottles, towels and wash rags with others,

-Avoid touching your face and eyes,

-Avoiding close contact with persons who display symptoms of infectious viruses

-Keeping children away from school or staying away from work if you are ill.

The Ministry of Health via its County Medical Officer of Health will continue to collaborate with officials from the Ministry of Education on this matter.