May 21, 2008 The San Diego County Health and Human Services
Agency (HHSA) reports that five students at Twin Oaks Elementary
School in San Marcos have been diagnosed with chicken pox. The
students had all received one dose of chicken pox vaccine. Two
doses of vaccine are recommended to guard against contracting
chicken pox, or lessen its effects. “Parents are urged to check
with their physician to make sure their children obtain the
chicken pox vaccination, and other age-appropriate
vaccinations,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public
Health Officer. None of the students required hospitalization.
School officials are informing staff and students who may have
been exposed, and recommending that they have the appropriate
vaccinations against the disease. Chicken pox is a highly
contagious disease caused by the varicella virus. The disease is
easily spread by coughing, sneezing or contact with chicken pox
blisters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommends two doses of chicken pox vaccin