Chicken Pox Outbreak in Pangasinan, Philippines

A local health unit in the province of Pangasinan has reported increasing cases of chicken pox since the second week of April. To date, the health unit has reported more than 20 cases of chicken pox in the province.

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Varicella, or chickenpox, often goes unreported to health authorities unless the infection is particularly severe, and the parents seek medical care for the infected child. Thus, there may be many more unreported cases in the affected regions. Travellers can reduce their risk of exposure to this infection by ensuring that their childhood vaccinations, including varicella (chickenpox), are up-to-date prior to travelling.