Pretoria - A chickenpox outbreak has struck Koedoeskop Primary in Limpopo. The Department of Health and Social Development forced the school to shut its doors after 93 pupils and one teacher were infected by the disease.
The grade zero class is said to be the hardest hit, with 22 pupils out of 46 being infected.
"As soon as this came to our attention, we advised the school to send pupils home in order to avoid any further spread -- especially since they had already completed examinations," said provincial department spokesperson, Cecil Motsepe.
He said that a team of professionals has been sent to investigate, treat and educate the community about the disease.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness caused by primary infection with varicella zoster virus. Symptoms include small, red itchy spots, which turn into blisters before bursting to form scabs. They start on the torso and face and spread to the arms and legs. It can take two to three weeks before showing signs after contracting the virus.
It is spread easily through coughs or sneezes of ill individuals, or through direct contact with secretions from the rash. Following primary infection, there is usually lifelong immunity from further episodes of chickenpox.
The department said the disease is rarely fatal but generally more severe in adult males than adult females or children.
"Pregnant women and those with a suppressed immune system are at highest risk of serious complications. Chickenpox is now believed to be the cause of one third of stroke cases in children," the department said, urging anyone with chickenpox symptoms to rush to the nearest clinic for immediate treatment.
