Health department confirms chickenpox cases

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency officials have confirmed five cases of chickenpox in youth who live within the three-county jurisdiction.

Chickenpox, a highly contagious disease, causes an itchy, blister-like rash, fatigue, headache and fever.

The virus spreads from an infected person through airborne particles as well as direct contact. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 21 days after exposure, and individuals are contagious a day or two before a rash appears.

The agency’s promotions supervisor, Kris Dewey, said she was unable to disclose in which county the cases were reported due to the ages of the victims.