Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 20 -- With a steady increase in chickenpox cases being reported across parts of Kerala, the State Health Department has issued a public advisory calling for heightened awareness and strict preventive measures.
The health authorities have warned that seasonal changes and close community contact are contributing to the spread of the contagious viral infection.
Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, or exposure to fluid from skin blisters.
While the disease is generally mild in children, officials cautioned that it can lead to serious complications among pregnant women, newborns, elderly persons and those with weakened...