Chickenpox cases surge in Rohingya camps, not measles; over 8,000 infected in three months

Bay Insight | Cox’s Bazar

In the Rohingya camps of Cox’s Bazar, concern is rising not over measles but due to a fresh surge in chickenpox, a disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus.

Health officials said infections have increased abnormally in recent months, spreading rapidly among children in the densely populated camps.

Dr Tohа Bhuiyan, health coordinator of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, said, “In the past three months, 8,769 people have been infected with chickenpox in the Rohingya camps. In contrast, the number was only 1,355 in the last six months of the previous year.”

He added, “Comparatively, infections of measles and rubella are now under control. In the past three months, only four children were found infected with Measles and one with Rubella.”

Health officials said routine vaccination programmes have helped control measles and rubella, but stronger awareness and prevention measures are needed to tackle chickenpox.

Dr Bhuiyan noted that children in the camps are receiving vaccines regularly under scheduled immunisation programmes.

Crowded conditions accelerate spread

Health workers said cramped living conditions, shared spaces and limited ability to maintain hygiene are accelerating the spread of infection in the camps.

Nurjahan, a resident of Kutupalong camp, said, “My son suddenly developed rashes followed by fever. We are trying to isolate him, but it is very difficult as we all live in one room.”

Another parent, Mohammad Idris, said, “Once one person gets infected, others quickly catch it. It is becoming very difficult to control the children.”

What is chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus, typically more common at the end of winter and during spring.

It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with an infected person—making densely populated camps particularly vulnerable.

Symptoms and duration

Symptoms usually appear within 10 to 21 days of infection and last for one to two weeks.

Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches and itchy fluid-filled blisters.

Stages of the disease

The disease progresses in stages, starting with an incubation period of 10 to 21 days without symptoms. This is followed by early signs such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and headache one to two days before the rash appears.

The rash then develops from red spots to fluid-filled blisters, which eventually dry and form scabs.

What to do if infected

Health experts advise isolating the infected person, keeping nails short to avoid skin damage from scratching, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and taking medication for fever and itching as prescribed by a doctor. Oily and spicy foods should be avoided.

Vaccination remains the most effective prevention

Experts said the most effective way to prevent chickenpox is vaccination. They also advised seeking medical attention immediately if severe symptoms such as high fever, breathing difficulties, or excessive pus from blisters appear.

Need for increased monitoring

Health officials stressed that raising awareness, early detection of cases and proper isolation measures are essential to control the outbreak.

Otherwise, the disease may spread rapidly among thousands of people living in limited space in the camps.