Egypt’s Education Ministry Tackles Chickenpox Outbreak in Schools with Preventive Measures
In a proactive response to the recent surge of Chickenpox cases among students in various Egyptian provinces, the Ministry of Education and Technical Education has issued directives to educational directorates to implement preventive and precautionary measures. The ministry’s spokesperson, Shady Zalat, emphasized that these steps are routine precautions associated with the onset of the winter season, which typically sees a rise in infectious diseases like chickenpox.
Spread of chickenpox in Egyptian schools
According to Zalat stated that the measures are standard precautions in case of an outbreak in any school. The ministry is working in full coordination with the Ministry of Health and Population to monitor and respond to any health issues among students.
Sayed Abdel Aziz, Deputy Minister in New Valley Governorate, outlined their coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Health. This includes school sanitization, regular health checks for students to identify any new cases, and ensuring that infected students avoid school to prevent further spread of the infection.
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Aziz further advised parents to prioritize prevention over treatment. He urged avoiding crowded places and promptly seeking medical attention if symptoms appear. In case of illness, a written request along with medical proof should be submitted to the school for exam postponement.
Amjad El-Haddad, Head of Allergy and Immunity at the Serum and Vaccine Authority in Cairo, described chickenpox as a contagious virus causing itchy blisters and other symptoms like fever and fatigue. It’s part of the herpes virus family, and people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly, should be particularly cautious.
El-Haddad provided a prescription for prevention:
- Vaccination is crucial and effective for children and adults.
- Isolate infected individuals and seek regular medical advice.
- Proper nutrition and warm fluids are essential during the virus spread.
- Children should avoid close contact and sharing personal items at school.
- Fever reducers, moisturizing creams, and ointments are necessary for those infected.
- Pregnant women should not get the vaccine and must avoid contact with infected individuals.
