Government has warned people on the chicken pox cases that have been registered in some parts of central region especially Lilongwe.

Ministry of health spokesperson, Joshua Malango, has advised parents and guardians to rush their children to hospital if they notice signs of skin rashes that form small, itchy blisters on the skin.

Malango said: “Guardians must be alert of the signs and let me advise them that if their children are affected they must ensure that they remain hydrated in order to manage the pain as they go to seek medical attention.”

In most cases, chicken pox affects children under the age of 12.

In addition, children who have not received the chicken pox vaccine are at high risk of developing the disease likewise those with low immune system.

Signs of chicken pox, which usually starts on the chest, back, and face before spreading to the rest of the body, include loss of appetite, itchy skin and development of blisters.

Complications of the disease may occasionally include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and bacterial skin infections.

The disease is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in infants and in individuals with an impaired immune system.