— from San Juan County Communications —
Eleven cases of Varicella, or “chicken pox,” have now been confirmed in the Orcas Island community. None of the cases have been hospitalized.
The best way to protect against varicella is to receive a vaccine according to current vaccination guidelines.
Now is a good time for individuals and family members to review vaccination records and ensure immunizations are up to date. If vaccinations are not up to date, or you have questions about vaccinations or varicella, please contact your health care provider, or San Juan County Health & Community Services at 360-378-4474.
Additional information and resources on varicella may be found on the San Juan County Health & Community Services website.
One thing that is not being included in these updates is that almost all of the current cases are occurring in individuals who have been vaccinated.
Given the rate of growth in vaccinated individuals during this outbreak everyone still needs to remain alert – even if fully immunized.