Nevis declares chickenpox outbreak as 11 cases confirmed

Nevis has recorded 11 confirmed cases of chickenpox, leading the Ministry of Health to declare the situation an outbreak rather than a cluster. The island's first case emerged on October 24.

In response, Alexandra Hospital and the Flamboyant Nursing Home will remain closed to visitors until at least November 1. The suspension took effect on Monday, October 26, following a notice from hospital management aimed at limiting transmission of the highly contagious virus.

Premier Mark Brantley addressed the situation during his monthly press conference on Tuesday, October 27. He noted that the Pan American Health Organization sets 10 cases as the threshold for classifying an outbreak, meaning Nevis has crossed that benchmark. "We have 11 cases so we definitely have an outbreak," he said.

No infections have surfaced in schools or daycare facilities, and no suspected cases are currently under investigation. The Ministry has activated a surveillance team to track new infections and trace contacts of those already affected.

Chickenpox spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, through direct contact with an infected individual, or via fluid from blisters, eyes, nose or mouth. Patients typically develop a low-grade fever, fatigue, headache and appetite loss before an itchy rash appears with small fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over.

Health officials expect case numbers to climb, particularly among household members. The chickenpox vaccine is not stocked at public health facilities because it does not form part of the Federation's national immunisation schedule, though private providers may carry it.

Premier Brantley advised residents with symptoms to stay home and avoid work, school and social gatherings. Those who are unwell should telephone or video call healthcare providers rather than visit in person. "Early identification and home isolation can significantly reduce spread," he said. The Ministry continues monitoring the situation and will review the visitation suspension based on guidance from the hospital's infection control team.