Buncombe County Health and Human Services has reported an increase in chickenpox cases among children, with affected ages ranging from infants to teenagers. Health officials note that the virus spreads easily, especially in communities and schools with low vaccination rates, which can quickly lead to outbreaks.
Chickenpox is transmitted through the air by coughing or sneezing or by contact with fluid from blisters. While it is often mild, it can cause missed days at school and work for both children and parents. Some groups—such as young children under one year old, adolescents, adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems—are at higher risk for severe illness. Even healthy individuals can experience serious complications like bacterial skin infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain infection), or death.
People who have not been immunized or previously infected are most susceptible to chickenpox. However, even those who have been vaccinated or had the disease before may develop a milder case if exposed again. Infection also increases the risk of developing shingles later in life.
Symptoms include a rash that develops into itchy blisters before forming scabs. The rash usually starts on the chest, back, and face before spreading elsewhere on the body. It typically takes 10 to 21 days after exposure for symptoms to appear. Individuals are contagious from one to two days before the rash appears until all blisters have scabbed over.
Most healthy children recover with rest, fluids, and fever management; however, high-risk individuals may need further medical treatment.
Vaccination remains the best preventive measure against chickenpox. Medical professionals recommend that children receive their first dose of vaccine at age one and a second dose between ages four and six before starting school. Those over one year old who have not had chickenpox or its vaccine should get vaccinated promptly after exposure—ideally within three days—to prevent illness or reduce its severity.
Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, Buncombe County Medical Director stated: “As a parent, I want to do everything I can to protect my child from harm both now and in the future. Vaccination against chickenpox and other infections is one of the most effective ways we have as parents to protect our children and help them thrive. It also is a way for each of us to protect the more vulnerable members of our communities – babies, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.”
Health officials encourage parents to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up-to-date either through their healthcare provider or at the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Immunization Clinic in downtown Asheville.
If symptoms such as rash and fever occur—especially given rising measles cases nationally—families are advised to contact healthcare providers for evaluation rather than visiting facilities without notice.
In related educational statistics for Buncombe County schools during 2022-23:
– Among seniors taking the ACT science section (2,010 students), about 28.5% were considered college-ready according to state data (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
– For juniors taking ACT science (1,931 students), approximately 30.1% met college readiness benchmarks (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
– In reading proficiency on the ACT among seniors (2,010 students), 41.1% were deemed ready for college-level work (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). For juniors (1,931 students), this figure was slightly higher at 43.2% (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
– Math readiness rates were lower: only 25.6% of seniors met benchmarks while 32.7% of juniors did so (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
For more information about immunizations or appointments at Buncombe County’s clinic call 828-250-5096.
