A “strong activity” of chickenpox was detected in 16 regional centers in metropolitan France. But the epidemic, in France, has not yet been declared, say epidemiologists.
After the flu, it is perhaps a new epidemic that the French will have to face, especially the youngest. In its latest epidemiological bulletin published this Wednesday (data from 04 to 04/10/16) the Institut de Veille Sanitaire (InVS) confirms a “strong activity” of chickenpox in several territories.
In mainland France, last week, the incidence rate of cases of chickenpox seen in general medicine consultation was estimated at 43 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This is more than last week, when the rate stood at 30 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. However, the epidemic threshold has not been reached, specify these epidemiologists.
In all, they list sixteen regional centers of “strong activity”. At the top, we can cite the Pays-de-la-Loire (102 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), followed by the Midi-Pyrénées (83), and Picardy (70).
And for parents who have doubts about their children, the InVS specifies that the symptoms of chickenpox are characterized by the rash of itchy pimples lasting 3-4 days, accompanied by a moderate fever (37.5 ° C – 38 ° C).
In this case, it should be remembered that chickenpox and ibuprofen do not mix. Little Lewis Lyons has indeed learned the hard way. This young Englishman was prescribed Nurofen to treat the symptoms of his chickenpox. An error on the part of the doctors, which led to hospitalization in critical condition, for sepsis. Since then, her mother has warned about the risks associated with these prescriptions.
However, the doctor may prescribe skin disinfectants or antihistamines against the itch. And sometimes it is necessary to relieve fever with paracetamol.
ANSM recommendations
In France, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) issued a warning in 2004 against the use of NSAIDs. “These infectious complications, which can be serious in exceptional cases, have led the Agency to strengthen the precautions for use and warnings of all NSAIDs indicated in children, considering that it is prudent to avoid their use in case of chickenpox ”, we can read on its website.
The rare scientific studies on the subject have not made it possible to clearly identify the link between the complications and taking ibuprofen, but the cases observed call for caution. The ANSM recommends the use of paracetamol to treat fever and pain.
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