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Chickenpox boom in Veliko Tarnovo region.

The experts' analysis shows that seven of the ten municipalities in the district are affected by the infection.

"It is normal for there to be a boom, since in Bulgaria the chickenpox vaccine has a very low coverage, it has been applied in our country since 2019. It is currently the chickenpox, scarlet fever season, so it is fully expected. A few years because of the anti-epidemic measures against Children's contact with Covid-19 was limited, and chicken pox is an extremely contagious disease," explained epidemiologist Dr. Christiana Batselova on the air of "Bulgaria morning".

She emphasized that epidemic outbreaks begin most often after contact with a herpes zoster patient.

According to her, the vaccine is the surest way to protect ourselves.

"A patient who has been proven to have chicken pox must remain in isolation for a certain period of time. Hospitalization is not mandatory, it is required at the doctor's discretion. If the person is in a serious condition, then hospitalization is required," explained Dr. Bacelova to Bulgaria ON AIR.

"The disease starts with flu-like symptoms, a very characteristic rash appears. It starts on the hairy part of the head or in the oral cavity. Small children may refuse to eat. Then the rash may appear on the front of the abdomen, on the back, finally on the arms It's characterized by lethargy, nervousness," the epidemiologist explained.

According to her, the virus is extremely contagious, that's why 95% of the population had chickenpox in childhood.

"The vaccine can be administered from the age of 9 months. It can be given to contact persons up to the 3rd or 5th day of contact and will prevent these contact persons from getting sick," stressed Dr. Bacelova.

Regarding the contract that Bulgaria wants to terminate with Pfizer, the epidemiologist commented that it is a sin to throw away vaccines that can save human lives.

"There is no logic in taking too many vaccines that we will then throw away. We see that in Bulgaria there is a reluctance to vaccinate. We need highly effective vaccines. I don't think we will be left without any vaccines against Covid-19", she is categorical Dr. Bacelova.

vaccine

chicken pox

Scarlet fever

Veliko Tarnovo