Cases of Chickenpox Reported in Kindergartens and Schools; Parents Sound Alarm

Cases of measles and chickenpox have been reported in kindergartens and schools across the country, prompting parents to urge caution and consider keeping their children home from educational institutions for now. This was reported by ArmDaily.am, which noted that it has received alerts from parents.

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports stated that there have been no cases that would necessitate a complete shift to remote learning due to the mentioned diseases. "However, if there are 1 or 2 localized cases within schools, the administration will organize remote learning for students not attending classes due to any illness, following the guidelines for remote learning. In such cases, the school is not obliged to inform the ministry," officials from the ministry clarified.

Evgeniya Khachatryan, an epidemiologist from the Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases Department at the Ministry of Health, also mentioned in a conversation with the media that this is the season for chickenpox infections, and cases of the disease may occur. "Chickenpox is an airborne infection that has a seasonal nature. Currently, it is the season—mostly in spring, winter, and autumn—when cases of chickenpox tend to rise. This is characteristic of this illness. Chickenpox is a contagious disease primarily among children aged 5-9. In organized settings, especially during winter and spring when the environment is enclosed, the infection spreads particularly quickly," the epidemiologist explained.

Regarding cases of measles, Khachatryan stated that there are no local cases identified. "When we talk about measles and chickenpox, both have their clinical manifestation through rashes. If a person doesn’t know the nature of the rash, it's possible they might not distinguish whether it is chickenpox or measles," she noted.

She informed that no reports have been received from schools regarding cases of chickenpox infection.