Evaluation after Implementation Control Measures in a Chickenpox Outbreak among Healthcare Workers in Uttaradit Hospital, Thailand, October 2013 – September 2014

Abstract

During April-May 2013, there were reported 14 cases of chickenpox among patients and healthcare workers in Uttaradit Hospital. This study had reviewed outbreaks of chickenpox in healthcare workers and observed incidence nosocomial chickenpox before-after varicella vaccine campaign during August-September 2013 in high-risk healthcare workers who had not varicella immunity. We observed the incidence of chickenpox in healthcare workers after vaccination campaign for 1 year. Descriptive statistic analysis was carried out. After varicella vaccine campaign implemented for 1 year, there was no additional reported case of Chickenpox among healthcare workers. Although, the cost of varicella vaccine was expensive but varicella vaccine campaign was benefit in emergency situation of outbreak. However, airborne precautions and standard precautions must simultaneously implement with vaccination for enhanced control. Furthermore, for prevention in the future, there should be setting option for testing the varicella immunity in new healthcare workers and medical students from pre-clinic who have uncertain history illness before vaccination which is more saving budget. By the way, for non-immunized group need inclusively vaccination.