Amid a surge in chickenpox cases across several districts, Tamil Nadu’s health authorities have issued a detailed advisory to strengthen disease surveillance, outbreak response and preventive measures statewide.
The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has circulated comprehensive guidelines to district and municipal health officials, directing them to intensify monitoring under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Dr A. Somasundaram, has instructed District Health Officers, City Health Officers and Municipal Health Officers to ensure prompt reporting of suspected cases from government and private hospitals, as well as from schools and hostels.
Chickenpox, caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus, spreads through airborne droplets and direct contact with infected individuals. Health officials noted that patients are contagious from one to two days before the appearance of the characteristic rash until the lesions crust over — a process that typically takes seven to 10 days. Authorities have been directed to isolate both suspected and confirmed cases during this infectious period to curb transmission.
In the event of clusters, officials must undertake contact tracing and monitor exposed individuals for 21 days. The guidelines stress the importance of early detection and swift containment to prevent outbreaks from escalating.
Medical officers have also been advised to carefully differentiate chickenpox from other viral illnesses such as measles, rubella and hand, foot and mouth disease. Antiviral medication, including Acyclovir, is to be administered as per protocol to high-risk groups such as adults, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. The advisory clearly states that aspirin should not be given to children due to associated health risks.
Field investigations into any outbreak must begin within 24 hours of identification, with detailed reports submitted within 48 hours, ensuring rapid response and accountability.
The Health Department has also called for intensified public awareness campaigns focusing on hygiene, early reporting and isolation practices. While the Varicella vaccine is available in the private sector, officials noted that it is not part of the Universal Immunisation Programme.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines and conduct daily reviews of surveillance data to prevent further spread of the disease as cases continue to rise across the State.