Pune: Paediatricians across the city are reporting a rise in chickenpox cases over the past month, with doctors also seeing infections among older children and family members. While most cases remain mild, experts said the increase compared to the same period last year is noticeable.
Dr Shirish Kankariya, head of paediatrics at Apollo Hospital, Swargate, said he had seen around 15 chickenpox patients in Jan alone, and the current season has brought a visible uptick in cases. "Chickenpox cases have risen. We are also seeing infections in older children and adult family members, who never had the disease earlier," he said.
Doctors said contracting chickenpox later in life raises the risk of complications. "If someone gets chickenpox at an older age, the probability of complications such as encephalitis is higher compared to early childhood infection," Dr Kankariya said, stressing the need to promote vaccination and raise awareness on the fact that two doses are required for chickenpox inoculation.
Dr Prateek Kataria, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Sahyadri Hospital, said out-patient departments (OPDs) are seeing a higher number of confirmed chickenpox cases this year. "We are seeing many children with chickenpox in the OPD, even among those who have taken both doses of the vaccine. This is expected because the vaccine does not guarantee 100% protection, but vaccinated children usually develop milder illness and do not need hospitalisation," he said.
The doctor added that in previous years, many children visiting clinics with rashes were eventually diagnosed with hand-foot-and-mouth disease. "This year, we are seeing more genuine chickenpox cases compared to last year," he said.
Dr Rajesh Kulkarni, paediatrician at PCMC's PGI–YCM Hospital, also confirmed, "Chickenpox cases have gone up compared to the same period last year. With viral infections like measles and chickenpox, we typically see a spike every three to five years. What happens is that once a large group of children gets infected, they develop lifelong immunity, so the spread slows down for a few years. Over time, new children who are not immune get added to the population, creating a pool of susceptible individuals and leading to another spike. This year we are seeing that pattern again. In the last month alone, I have seen around 10 cases, whereas during the same period last year it was hardly two or three cases."
Child with severe chickenpox encephalitis saved in PCMC hospital
Amid the recent rise in chickenpox cases, PCMC's PGI–YCM Hospital said its paediatric ICU recently successfully treated and discharged a seven-year-old with severe chickenpox encephalitis and multiple organ dysfunction. The child was referred in a critical condition, with high fever, seizures and rash and required immediate advanced life support.
"Early diagnosis and aggressive management played a decisive role in saving the child's life," said Dr Rajesh Kulkarni. During treatment, the child developed kidney injury, liver failure and cardiac complications, prompting doctors to use IVIG, high-dose steroids and intensive organ support before the child was discharged in stable condition. Hospital officials said the case was managed by the PICU team, led by Dr Kulkarni, Dr Deepali Ambike, Dr Seema Soni, Dr Vinay Patil and Dr Palash Sangai, along with resident doctors and nursing staff.
Chickenpox surge puts spotlight on shingles risk in adults
As chickenpox cases rise, doctors say the same virus can later reactivate as shingles in adults, making vaccination crucial. Dr Piyush Chaudhary, infectious diseases specialist at Jehangir Hospital, said he has seen a few recent cases, including varicella-related encephalitis in adults with comorbidities.
"The shingles vaccine is recommended for everyone above 50 and people with weakened immunity, yet coverage remains only 1–3% mainly due to lack of awareness. Incidence rises sharply after the age of 50 years. Shingles can cause severe complications and debilitating nerve pain, hence vaccination is always recommended," he cautioned.
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