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The Epidemiology of Chickenpox in England, 2016-2022: An Observational Study Using General Practitioner Consultations
Megan Bardsley1, Paul Loveridge1, Natalia G Bednarska1
1Real-Time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Services, Health Protection Operations, UK Health Security Agency, Birmingham B2 4BH, UK.
Viruses
|November 25, 2023
Summary
Chickenpox consultations in England declined between 2016 and 2022, with rates decreasing over time. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted typical patterns, but ongoing monitoring is crucial for varicella-zoster virus vaccine policy.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Virology
Background:
- Chickenpox, caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a common childhood illness.
- VZV vaccination is not currently in the UK childhood immunisation program, necessitating ongoing burden assessment for policy decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze chickenpox consultation rates in England from September 2016 to December 2022.
- To inform potential VZV vaccine policy by understanding the community burden of chickenpox.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of general practitioner (GP) chickenpox consultations.
- Data collected from September 1, 2016, to December 9, 2022, in England.
Main Results:
- Mean weekly chickenpox consultation rate was 3.4 per 100,000 population, with a seasonal peak between weeks 13-15.
- Consultation rates showed a general decrease from 2017 to 2019 and were highest in children aged 1-4 years.
- The COVID-19 pandemic altered typical epidemic patterns; 2022 saw proportionally higher rates in infants (<1 year) compared to pre-pandemic years.
Conclusions:
- Chickenpox GP consultation rates in England have decreased, continuing a long-term community decline.
- Non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic likely impacted VZV transmission rates.
- Continued monitoring of chickenpox burden is essential for informing decisions regarding VZV vaccination programs.
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