Chickenpox
Coverage of Chickenpox in the Nexus archive.
- UN report: Gaza recorded 9,300 chickenpox cases in just two weeks
A UN report found 9,300 chickenpox cases in Gaza over two weeks, with over half in Khan Younis. The outbreak is linked to overcrowding, poor hygiene, and inadequate sanitation in displacement sites, where 1.7 million people are hosted. Health risks are exacerbated by limited access to clean water, improper waste management, and rodent infestations.
- The Backward Logic of Chickenpox Parties
Before vaccines were widely available, some parents intentionally exposed their children to chickenpox to build immunity. This practice is resurfacing in the internet age. The idea is that natural infection provides better immunity than vaccination.
- Florida Republicans reject plan to weaken childhood vaccine requirements
Florida Republicans, led by House Speaker Daniel Perez, rejected Governor Ron DeSantis' proposal to allow children to opt out of certain school vaccination requirements. Perez cited concerns about children lacking vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps, polio, and chickenpox, which have been effective for decades.
- In rare chickenpox case, itchy blisters mushroom into large, rubbery nodules
A 15-year-old girl in Nepal developed eruptive keloids—rare, painful skin growths—after chickenpox scars, marking the sixth documented case in scientific literature. The growths, measuring up to 4x4 cm, appeared simultaneously on her jaw, chest, abdomen, and flank, highlighting an ultra-rare complication of chickenpox.
- What is chickenpox and who can get an NHS vaccine?
The NHS childhood vaccination programme will include chickenpox from 2 January 2026. This update expands vaccine coverage for children. Chickenpox vaccine will be part of standard NHS vaccinations.