No new cases of chicken pox since initial outbreak

Six students hit with virus last week, UConn taking precautions

By: Elizabeth Ruocco

Posted: 11/18/08

There have been no new cases of chicken pox on campus since UConn officials reported last week that six students had become infected with the virus. This does not necessarily mean the illness has been completely contained, however, since symptoms take 10 to 21 days to appear after exposure.

Chicken pox spreads among people by means of direct contact or through air, and is highly contagious virus. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, common symptoms for those who may have chicken pox include a rash, fever, cough, headache, and loss of appetite. The rash may develop on the scalp and body, and can spread to the face, arms and legs. Patients with chicken pox are contagious for one to two days before the rash appears and they continue to be contagious for the next six to eight days, when the rash starts to go away.

UConn officials are taking precautions to prevent the virus from spreading beyond the six students who have become infected so far.

"We are vaccinating people in close personal contact with those who have or have had the chicken pox," said university spokeswoman Karen Grava. "Some students are being treated at Health Services, some at the infirmary, and others are going home to be treated by their personal doctors."

Contacting people who have been in closest contact with the virus has been university officials' main concern. The state is providing free treatment to prevent further contamination.

"We interviewed the students with the chicken pox and found people they were in close contact with," said Michael Kurland, director of Student Health Services. "We then contacted those people to see if they've been immunized or had a documented case of the chicken pox. If those people have had a case they are fine, but if not we received free vaccines from the state to provide to those students."

Since the virus is highly contagious, university health employees have worked to keep infected students away from crowded areas.

"As soon as we found out they had the chicken pox we wanted them to be cared for at home or here, but not stay in places such as the residence halls," said Kurland.

All students infected with the chicken pox are expected to recover.

Student Health Services has designated a special telephone number, (860) 486-1755, to deal with all chicken pox concerns.