Chickenpox Cases on the Rise in Our Community — What Parents Need to Know

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a highly contagious illness most commonly seen in children. It spreads easily from person to person through direct contact with the rash, through saliva, or by breathing in viral particles from an infected person's cough or sneeze. Even a brief, casual exposure — sharing a classroom, a waiting room, or a playdate — can be enough to pass the virus along.

While chickenpox is often thought of as a mild childhood illness, it can cause serious complications in certain children, including infants, those with weakened immune systems, and unvaccinated older children and teens.

Incubation Period

After exposure to the virus, it typically takes 10 to 21 days before a child develops symptoms. This means your child can be infected and spreading the virus for more than a week before you or anyone else knows they are sick. A child is contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and remains contagious until all blisters have dried and crusted over — usually about 5 to 7 days after the rash begins.

Common Symptoms

Chickenpox typically starts with mild general symptoms, followed quickly by the telltale rash:

Early Symptoms (1–2 Days Before Rash)

• Fever (usually mild to moderate, 101–102°F)
• Fatigue and general tiredness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat or runny nose

The Rash

The hallmark rash of chickenpox progresses in three distinct stages — often all present at the same time on the same child:

• Red or pink bumps (papules) — these appear first, typically on the face, chest, and back, then spread to the rest of the body
• Fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) — the bumps fill with clear fluid and become very itchy
• Crusts and scabs — the blisters break open, dry out, and crust over within a few days

Children typically develop 200 to 500 spots, though some may have fewer. The itching can be intense and difficult for young children to manage.

When to Call Us Right Away

Please contact our office immediately or seek urgent care if your child:

• Is under 1 year old
• Has a fever above 102°F that lasts more than 4 days
• Has difficulty breathing or a severe cough
• Has redness, warmth, or swelling around skin sores (signs of skin infection)
• Is unusually drowsy, confused, or difficult to wake
• Has a stiff neck or sensitivity to light
• Is immunocompromised or on steroid medications

The Varicella Vaccine — Your Child's Best Protection

The most effective way to prevent chickenpox — and protect the community — is vaccination. The varicella vaccine is safe, highly effective, and has been part of the standard childhood immunization schedule for decades. It is recommended by both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

When Is the Vaccine Given?

Children receive two doses of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine:

What About Older Children and Adults?

If your child missed one or both doses, it is not too late. Catch-up vaccination is available and recommended. Please call our office to check your child's vaccination records and schedule any missed doses.

Can Vaccinated Children Still Get Chickenpox?

Yes, in rare cases — this is called "breakthrough varicella." However, vaccinated children who do get chickenpox almost always have a much milder illness with fewer spots, lower fever, and a faster recovery. They are also much less contagious than unvaccinated children.

What to Do If Your Child Has Chickenpox

• Keep them home until all blisters have fully crusted over (typically 5–7 days after rash onset). New Jersey schools and daycares require this.
• Call our office first before coming in — we will help you manage symptoms and arrange a safe visit if needed.
• Ease the itch with cool baths, gentle oatmeal-based products, and keeping fingernails short to prevent scratching.
• Manage fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Do not give aspirin or ibuprofen to children with chickenpox unless directed by your doctor.
• Keep them hydrated and watch for any signs of serious complications listed above.
• Notify contacts — let the school, daycare, or playgroup know so other families can watch for symptoms.

Protecting Siblings and Other Family Members

Chickenpox spreads very efficiently within households. If your child has chickenpox, unvaccinated siblings or family members are at high risk of becoming infected. If a sibling has not yet received their varicella vaccine, call us — in some cases, getting the vaccine quickly after exposure can reduce the severity of illness.

A Note from Our Team

At Hummingbird Pediatrics, we are committed to keeping our community informed and healthy. An increase in chickenpox cases is a reminder that vaccine-preventable diseases are still circulating — and that vaccination remains our most powerful tool. If you have questions about chickenpox, the varicella vaccine, or your child's overall immunization status, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help.

You can also review our full immunization schedule and learn more about the vaccines we offer on our Immunizations page.