CREDIT: LAM LE
Early symptoms of chickenpox include appetite loss, fever, and fatigue.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) and Fanshawe College are reminding staff and students to prevent the spread of chickenpox after a few cases tied to the College were reported.

Dr. Alex Summers, the health unit’s associate medical officer of health, said that there were three lab-confirmed cases at the College as of Oct. 25. He said that even though chickenpox is less common, as older people have had it in the past and younger people have been protected against it with the vaccine, the virus is more likely to spread places where people flock like campuses.

“We know that in places where people congregate, this virus can be transmitted, and so that is one of the reasons why we notified the College and students and staff in this situation,” he said.


An email from Fanshawe’s corporate communications sent out on Oct. 21 announced that there were a number of chickenpox cases reported by the College’s staff and students. The email also said the MLHU asked Fanshawe to send the Infectious Disease Team’s letter, which described chickenpox and its symptoms and severity, to all staff and students. Although chickenpox, a virus-caused illness also known as varicella, is most common in young children, it can also make older children and adults sick.

“Those who have not had the infection previously, have not been adequately vaccinated, or individuals whose immune systems are severely compromised, could become ill,” the letter said.

Chickenpox is spread from direct contact with those infected or through the air. Early symptoms like fatigue, appetite loss, and fever could appear and an itchy rash with blisters on the torso, scalp, and face follow in a few days.

While most people with chickenpox recover with no complications, the infection is a serious concern for high-risk groups like pregnant women with no immunity to the virus and people with severely compromised immune systems.

The MLHU recommended reviewing immunization records to ensure you’re vaccinated for chickenpox/ varicella and to stay at home from work and school if you have a chickenpox-like rash to avoid spreading the virus.

Brenda Henry, Fanshawe’s manager for Environment, Health and Safety Services and the acting manager for the Emergency Management Office, said that since chickenpox is a highly contagious airborne virus, taking any action you would take to prevent spreading and/or recovering from the flu or a cold like washing your hands and staying at home when ill also applies to chickenpox. If anyone at the College is experiencing cold-like symptoms or a fever, Henry suggests telling your doctor early and mentioning Fanshawe had three cases so they’re aware.

“Nobody wants to miss school or miss time from work or inconvenience themselves in that way,” she said. “So it’s important for us to work with our partnership with Middlesex-London Health Unit to get that message out there, right? So that people aren’t impacted in their studies or they’re not impacted at work or in their social life.”

Those with more questions about chickenpox can visit healthunit.com/chickenpox.