Chickenpox cases are on the rise as numbers hospitalised with the illness spike.
The HSE has confirmed that a number of viral illnesses, including chickenpox, influenza and Group A Strep have grown steadily in recent times. The growth is attributed to the relaxing of pandemic restrictions and increased social mixing.
There have been 57 cases of chickenpox reported in hospitals so far this year, compared to just 34 in 2022. The majority of cases have presented themselves in children aged under 15.
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A HSE spokesperson said: "As a result of the current upsurge in chickenpox, hospitalised chickenpox cases are higher than expected, when compared to previous years. Normally, the levels of chickenpox, in common with a number of other childhood infections, tend to remain increased until the early summer. "
Officials have warned that levels of the disease could remain high this summer due to the evolving patterns. Over half of the hospitalisations occurred in children between the ages of zero and four.
Chickenpox is a common viral disease which typically presents in young children and adolescents. The illness is highly contagious and usually presents with hallmark red blisters on the skin.
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