The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is currently investigating a chickenpox outbreak at Kīlauea Elementary School on Kauaʻi. So far, five cases have been identified: four among students and one involving a household member. According to the DOH, none of the affected individuals had received the chickenpox vaccine.
Health officials are urging members of the community to ensure they are vaccinated against chickenpox if they have not already had the disease or received immunization. The department also advises anyone who was in close contact with a confirmed case to consult with their healthcare provider for guidance on protective measures.
“While chickenpox usually will resolve on its own with supportive care, some people who get chickenpox can have more severe symptoms and may be at risk for complications. Chickenpox can also be serious, even life-threatening, especially during pregnancy, in babies, adolescents, adults and people with weakened immune systems,” stated the DOH.
The department emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent both infection and severe illness from chickenpox. They recommend two doses of vaccine for children, adolescents, and adults who have never had chickenpox or were not previously vaccinated. “Most people who get the vaccine will not get chickenpox. Those few who do get chickenpox despite vaccination generally have milder symptoms than if they were unvaccinated,” according to DOH guidance.
Some groups—such as pregnant women, infants, and individuals with certain immune conditions—are unable to receive the vaccine but may still be at high risk if exposed. The DOH recommends these individuals speak immediately with their healthcare providers about alternative protective options available after exposure.
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Symptoms include a rash that develops into itchy blisters before scabbing over; these often appear first on the chest, back or face before spreading elsewhere on the body. A person infected can develop up to 500 blisters during an episode. Full recovery typically takes about one week after all blisters form scabs. Shingles is a possible late complication that can occur years later.
Transmission occurs easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with blister fluid. Individuals are contagious from one to two days before symptoms begin until all blisters have scabbed over.
For additional details about chickenpox prevention and management in Hawai‘i, residents can refer to https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/chickenpox-varicella-zoster/.
