Syracuse University Health Services released a chicken pox warning to students, faculty and staff, this morning. Four cases of the contagious respiratory illness have recently been reported on campus.
Individuals who were in close proximity to the four cases have already been contacted and arrangements have been made to vaccinate them, as needed. Students and SU community members are encouraged to check their heath records and evaluate their need for a chicken pox vaccine.
If exposed, most, but not all, infected individuals experience cold-like symptoms, and a rash that starts after 1 to 3 days of these symptoms. Persons who have been vaccinated may get a milder illness, including a less severe rash and little to no never.
For questions, or a vaccination appointment, contact SU Health Services [8] at healthservices@students.syr.edu [9]. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care providers.
The New York State Department of Heath provides a helpful fact sheet [10] on chicken pox.
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