Childhood infections - chickenpox, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, scarlet fever and measles

Childhood infections – chickenpox, scarlet fever, measles, whooping cough, mumps, rubella – are diseases that most often affect preschool and early school-aged children. They are transmitted by airborne droplets, are highly contagious, and can potentially cause severe complications.

Complications:

• Chickenpox can cause bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis. According to CDC estimates, about 1 in 1,000 cases of chickenpox lead to encephalitis or other CNS damage.
• Measles is often complicated by pneumonia (up to 6%), otitis (up to 7%), encephalitis (1 in 1,000), and mortality in countries with low vaccination coverage reaches 1–2 cases per 1,000.
• Rubella is extremely dangerous for pregnant women – in 90% of cases, infection in early pregnancy causes fetal malformations (congenital rubella syndrome).
• Mumps can cause orchitis (inflammation of the testicle – up to 30% of cases in boys after puberty), pancreatitis, meningitis, and hearing loss.
• Whooping cough is especially dangerous for children under 1 year old: up to 50% are hospitalized, 1 in 100 has CNS complications (seizures, encephalopathy), and mortality is up to 1% in infants.
• Scarlet fever, caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, can lead to otitis, glomerulonephritis, and rheumatic fever.

Available vaccines in Ukraine protect against measles, rubella, mumps (MMR), and whooping cough (DTP). A chickenpox vaccine is also available.

Vaccination is the only reliable way to prevent most complications.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Chickenpox is transmitted by airborne droplets. Key symptoms include fever, weakness, and a characteristic itchy rash consisting of red spots that turn into blisters. Treatment: Symptomatic – antipyretics, anti-itch remedies, fluids, rest. In complex cases, antiviral drugs. Prevention: Varilrix or Varivax vaccination, available in Ukraine. Recommended for children from 12 months, and for adults who did not have chickenpox in childhood.

Measles

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases. It begins with a runny nose, fever, cough, and conjunctivitis. A few days later, a rash appears – first on the face, then on the body. Prevention: MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, mandatory in Ukraine at 12 months and 6 years. Vaccines: Priorix, M-M-R.

Rubella

Rubella is a mild viral infection accompanied by a fine pink rash, swollen lymph nodes, and a slight fever. Greatest danger: Infection during pregnancy – miscarriage or severe fetal malformations. Prevention: Vaccination as part of MMR – Priorix, M-M-R vaccines. Immunity lasts a lifetime.

Mumps (Epidemic Parotitis)

Mumps affects the salivary glands, causing swollen cheeks, pain when chewing and swallowing, and fever. Testicular, pancreatic, and nervous system involvement are possible. In boys over 10 years old, it can cause infertility. Prevention: Priorix, M-M-R vaccines.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection characterized by paroxysmal coughing that lasts for weeks. It is especially dangerous for infants: it can cause apnea, seizures, and respiratory arrest. Diagnosis: nasopharyngeal culture, PCR. Treatment: Antibiotics, symptomatic remedies, rest. Prevention: DTP vaccination (Infanrix, Pentaxim), booster vaccination for adolescents and adults – Boostrix.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Key symptoms: high fever, sore throat, punctate rash, "raspberry tongue." Treatment: Antibiotics (penicillin, amoxicillin), plenty of fluids, antipyretics. Prevention: Currently, there is no vaccine. The only protection is timely diagnosis and treatment.

Why Get Vaccinated?

Vaccination is the only reliable way to prevent severe complications and protect not only your child but also others who cannot be vaccinated (infants, immunocompromised patients). European-quality vaccines are available in Ukraine. They can be obtained both free of charge according to the immunization schedule and at your own discretion – in private clinics.

Advice: Do not delay vaccinations and contact your pediatrician or family doctor for clarification of the vaccination schedule. In case of symptoms of any of the described diseases – stay home and seek medical advice. Health is a responsibility we share with you!

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