The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs says a recent cluster of chickenpox cases identified at the Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital remains contained within two male wards, with health officials implementing a series of precautionary measures to prevent further spread.

In a public advisory issued Tuesday, the Ministry confirmed that the cases involve varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, and stressed that there is currently no evidence of widespread transmission beyond the affected wards.

According to the Ministry, infection prevention and control measures were activated immediately after the cases were identified. These include quarantine and isolation protocols, active surveillance, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, restricted movement within affected areas, monitoring of exposed individuals, and ongoing clinical assessments of both patients and staff.

Public health officials are continuing to work closely with the management and clinical teams at Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital to monitor the situation.

Varicella is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is commonly characterized by fever, fatigue, and an itchy blister-like rash. The virus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets or direct contact with fluid from skin lesions of infected individuals.

Health officials also noted that exposure to persons with shingles, caused by reactivation of the same virus, can sometimes lead to transmission of chickenpox among susceptible individuals.

The Ministry emphasized that clusters of chickenpox can occasionally occur in congregate settings where close contact among individuals increases the risk of spread.

Members of the public are being reminded that vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent infection and reduce the severity of illness. The varicella vaccine is available through public health clinics across Antigua and Barbuda for both adults and children.

Parents and guardians are being encouraged to ensure children are properly immunized in accordance with the national immunization schedule, while individuals uncertain of their vaccination status are urged to consult their healthcare provider or nearest health centre.

The Ministry is also encouraging residents to continue practicing basic infection prevention measures, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping infected persons away from public settings until their lesions have fully crusted over.

Persons experiencing fever and rash symptoms are advised to avoid unnecessary contact with vulnerable groups, including elderly persons, pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.

Health officials say active surveillance remains ongoing and further updates will be provided if additional public health concerns arise.