Ireland has seen a dramatic rise in hospital admissions due to chickenpox, with a 126% increase reported in 2023. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Center’s Infectious Disease Notifications report, hospitalizations have surged from 75 cases in 2022 to 170 cases in 2023.
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a highly contagious disease characterized by itchy, red rashes. While generally mild, it can pose severe health risks to babies, teenagers, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Despite chickenpox typically being considered a minor illness, experts warn against complacency, especially amid ongoing outbreaks of similar contagious diseases like measles in various parts of Europe. On average, around 58,000 people in Ireland contract chickenpox annually, with one in every 250 requiring hospitalization.
The increase in hospital admissions highlights the importance of taking chickenpox seriously and ensuring vulnerable groups are adequately protected. Health officials urge the public to be aware of the potential complications and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.