CHICKENPOX VACCINE : NEED OF THE HOUR IN DIFFERENT REGIONS OF JHARKHAND

Abstract

Varicella (chickenpox) is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV). Epidemiological prole of chickenpox varies considerably across different parts of world. In Jharkhand, chickenpox remains an important public health issue and outbreaks are not uncommon, since vaccination is not universal. Aim: To study different demographic variables in the outbreaks of chicken pox infection in Jharkhand from January 2017 to December 2020. Methods: Surveillance data were collected monthly, as a part of the Integrated Disease Surveillance program, India. The clinical denition of cases and outbreak were used for the surveillance rates and outbreaks. Chickenpox outbreaks were analyzed in different districts of Jharkhand for a period of 4 years (2017 - 2020) and trends were analyzed according to age, sex, residency and seasonality. Results: Three, fteen, twenty four and seven Chickenpox outbreaks occurred in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively which caused fteen, seventy six, one hundred and thirty seven and fty two cases respectively altogether in Jharkhand . There was minor difference in occurrence among genders. A seasonal pattern was also observed. The age group of patients who were maximum affected were of 5-9 years followed by 10-14 years. Conclusion: A programme of varicella vaccination can potentially change the epidemiology of varicella and limit its burden in childhood as well as its social and nancial cost